Vacant town hall to become community arts space

An vacant former town hall once tipped to become a boutique hotel is set to be used as a creative workspace.

Bingley Town Hall, next to Myrtle Park, has stood empty since council staff moved out last year.

Now Bradford Council, who have advertised for a new owner for the building, said it was in talks with Leeds-based charity East Street Arts to prepare a long-term lease agreement.

East Street Arts artistic director Jon Wakeman said there was a "growing demand" in the area for creative workspace, describing the hall as a "remarkable building".

The charity supports artists and creative communities by developing and operating studios, workspaces and creative hubs across the UK.

"There's a real and growing demand in Bingley for affordable, flexible creative workspace and for places where people can come together around culture and making," Wakeman said.

"For us this isn't simply about taking on another building. It's about working alongside Bingley's artists, Bingley Creates and local residents to turn a much-loved heritage site into a lasting resource for the town – a place that respects the building's history while opening up new opportunities for people to make, learn and connect here in Bingley."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council is in advanced discussions with East Street Arts to prepare a lease agreement for the long-term use of the Town Hall.

In the past Bradford Council has suggested the building could be converted into a spa hotel.

A council statement said there had been "significant interest" from Bingley's creative sector in developing a local workspace for a range of cultural and creative activities.

"East Street Arts will now explore opportunities to secure additional funding to support the building's development, working with the council to ensure the town hall can be used flexibly by local artists, organisations and the wider community, while supporting the long-term refurbishment of the historic building," it said.

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