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TRAINEES HELP BRING A BRADFORD LANDMARK BACK TO LIFE
Four local trainees were offered the perfect opportunity to bring one of Bradford’s best-loved landmarks back to life, whilst mastering a new trade.
Working as a bench hand joiner, site joiners and a bricklayer Hassan Mahmood, David Carris, Ben Heaton and Tanweer Hussain worked hard to help transform Eastbrook Hall, the former Methodist Cathedral of the North, into 73 contemporary one and two bedroom apartments and three commercial units.
The trainees were recruited with the help of Links 2 Construction, part of Bradford Council, which is committed to encouraging developers and local companies to work together and employ local people for the benefit of the Bradford District economy.
As a key part of the support from Regen 2000, the trainee programme offered local people the opportunity to achieve NVQ qualifications within a chosen trade, whilst learning key practical skills working alongside professional tradespeople on site. All four trainees achieved NVQs at level 2 or 3.
Peter Williams, Links 2 officer, said: “Working on the Eastbrook Hall development has given all four of the trainees a great introduction to their new professions. Not only have they developed key skills and qualifications, but they can take pride in the achievement of being part of the restoration of a significant building in Bradford’s history.
Nicky McAlpine, Links 2 Project Manager added: “Our key objective is to facilitate construction regeneration activity in the Bradford District, linking potential investors and developers with local contractors, suppliers and people, and the trainee scheme has an important role within this structure to ensure local people benefit from the city’s renaissance.”
As the Eastbrook Hall scheme nears completion, Hassan and David have now secured jobs with Abraham & Carlisle, Ben at a Bradford company and Tanweer has been working with Aldersgate Estates, the Eastbrook Hall developer.
Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration, said: “The regeneration programme in Bradford continues to stride forward and the trainee scheme is a great way for local people to become actively involved.
“Working on the meticulous restoration of Eastbrook Hall, the trainees have played a key role in the city’s renaissance, contributing to the creating of unique living opportunities in the heart of Little Germany, the city centre’s premier residential quarter.”
The restoration of Eastbrook Hall is being funded through an innovative public-private sector funding agreement between English Partnerships, Bradford Centre Regeneration (BCR), Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Yorkshire Forward and Regen 2000. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust also supports the scheme and has been closely involved since conception.
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