Client’s Requirements

The YMCA in Bradford commissioned the appointment of a design team for the delivery of a ‘culture fusion’ centre providing young people with access to multiple facilities, amenities and services they would not usually have access to.

The project consisted of the refurbishment of the existing listed mill on Thornton Road in Bradford with a new extension to the rear. The refurbishment to the building included improvements to the thermal performance of the existing external building envelope along with replacement of the glazed window units.

The combined new and existing building provided a new information centre, IT facilities, dance studio, gym, hostel accommodation, recording studio, a café, teaching classrooms, changing & toilet facilities, performance space, an atrium housing a winter garden and  a climbing wall and a secret rooftop garden.

Added Value / Unique Selling Points

With the key features of the building being aimed at young people, Silcock Leedham, together with Bowman Riley quickly became involved in a user group of ‘Young People’ and attended weekly workshops to provide them with direct involvement in defining the project scope and deliverables. 

The challenge was to mix the user groups’ visions and requests with a limited budget and tight planning deadlines, to deliver a design that met with the client’s objectives. 

As a direct result of getting young people involved in designing the requirements the project received a high amount of positive PR and interest.