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Council vows to take action over 'eyesore' centre

Chris YoungLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLocal Democracy Reporting Service Four women stand outside a barrier entrance to the building with their arms folded looking unhappy about its derelict state.Local Democracy Reporting Service
Residents living near the centre in Bradford are unhappy about its current condition

A group with plans to re-develop a derelict community centre in Bradford could be forced to hand back the lease.

In 2024, Community Interest Company (CIC) Inspired Neighbourhoods said it was planning an extensive renovation of the the Greenwood Centre in Swain House, which is owned by Bradford Council but leased to the company on a long-term basis.

Bradford Council said Inspired Neighbourhoods would be asked to voluntarily surrender their lease, or it would take court action to retain control.

A spokesperson for the group said they "remain fully committed to restoring the centre".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the building has been blighted by years of vandalism and arson.

Michelle Pringle, who has lived near the centre for 41 years, described its current state as "an absolute eyesore".

"It's so dangerous – there are children going in there every single day, kids climbing on the burnt rafters."

Another local resident, Veronica Male, added: "To see it all burnt-out, to see nothing happening there, is just disgraceful."

News imageLocal Democracy Reporting Service A boarded-up building with a hole in the roof and overgrown weeds outside in the car park pictured from behind a security fence.Local Democracy Reporting Service
The Greenwood Centre has been described as an "eyesore"

Inspired Neighbourhoods previously said the site would become a "vibrant hub for community activities", including youth programmes, advice sessions and a food bank.

At the time, they said they aimed to open the new centre in early 2025.

But the building, constructed in 1980, remains in a poor state, with the council now set to take action.

A spokesperson said: "[Inspired Neighbourhoods] are to be asked to voluntarily surrender the lease, should they fail to do so court proceedings will commence for forfeiture.

"Once vacant possession has been attained a review will determine the future use of the site."

'Complex process'

In response, an Inspired Neighbourhoods spokesperson said the redevelopment of the centre was "a complex process and has involved extensive technical assessments, design work and compliance requirements to ensure the building can be safely and sustainably brought back into use".

They said work had been progressing behind the scenes and their vision for the centre "remains unchanged".

The CIC said it planned to meet with the local authority to discuss the matter.

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