The redevelopment of Bradford’s Kala Sangam Arts Centre is officially in progress.
- Simpson, a York-based construction firm, has been appointed as the main contractor.
- The project includes new theatre and dance studios, enhancing accessibility and cultural space.
- The renovation is scheduled to align with Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture celebrations.
- Support from several major cultural and governmental organisations heavily backs the initiative.
The highly anticipated redevelopment of the Kala Sangam Arts Centre in Bradford has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of Simpson, a construction company from York, as the main contractor. The company commenced work on this ambitious multi-million-pound project on 22nd April 2024, heralding a new era for this Grade II listed building.
The transformation project will see the creation of a brand-new theatre and five additional dance studios, meeting a critical demand for cultural and creative facilities in Bradford. Furthermore, this renovation includes a new central staircase and improved accessibility features, such as a new entrance, two lifts, and a Changing Places facility. For the first time in 140 years, the building will be entirely accessible, facilitating extensive community engagement and inclusion.
Scheduled to complete in summer 2025, the renamed Bradford Arts Centre will serve as a pivotal venue during Bradford’s tenure as the UK City of Culture. The work on Kala Sangam adds to Simpson’s impressive portfolio of redeveloping heritage sites and arts venues, contributing another landmark project to their name.
Key roles in the project are being filled by experienced firms: Turner & Townsend as the capital project manager and Halliday Clark Architects as principal architects, alongside DKP Consulting, BWB Consulting, and SGM Structural Design tackling various specialised tasks. Partners have been involved in careful planning and development since the project’s inception in 2018, ensuring a thoughtful approach to the arts centre’s transformation.
Support from heavyweight funders, including the Department of Culture Media & Sport, Arts Council England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlights the significance and vast potential impact of this redevelopment. The commitment also extends to contributions from the Garfield Weston Foundation and Bradford Metropolitan District Council, underlining the broad support across multiple levels of society.
Jas Athwal, chair of Kala Sangam, expressed his excitement, stating: ‘After many years of planning, we are delighted that work has finally started to transform our home into a fully accessible space, ready to welcome artists, audiences, our local communities and businesses in 2025 as Bradford Arts Centre.’ Creative director Alex Croft echoed this optimism, emphasising Simpson’s passion and professionalism as crucial to the project’s success. Simpson’s managing director, Andy Gatenby, underscored the importance of the project in the context of Bradford’s upcoming role as the City of Culture in 2025.
The redevelopment of Kala Sangam Arts Centre represents a pivotal cultural advancement for Bradford, fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
