HRH The Prince of Wales today officially opened Eastbrook Hall in the Little Germany area of Bradford following its magnificent restoration, which has been carried out by a partnership headed by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust.
During his visit, The Prince met those involved with the renovation, Council and community leaders including Cllr Howard Middleton, Lord Mayor of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Mr Marsha Singh MP, and a number of heritage experts, charity representatives and local businesspeople.
His Royal Highness was accompanied by Mr Ian Marcus, Chairman of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, Ms Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust and Mr Kit Martin, Project Consultant for The Prince’s Regeneration Trust.
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, said:
“This official opening of Eastbrook Hall represents a truly meaningful point in the revitalisation of Little Germany. We hope that the completion of the project will act as a strong incentive for further regeneration within this too often neglected but socially and historically important part of Bradford.
Eastbrook Hall is an exemplary project, which demonstrates so well the ability of the Trust to bring together regeneration specialists, who by working in partnership can bring new uses and functions to otherwise under-used and derelict buildings and through such successful regeneration deliver real economic and social benefits to the local community.”
During his visit, His Royal Highness was introduced to Rev Dr William Davies, Former Minister of Eastbrook Hall, who briefed him on the fascinating religious and architectural history of the building.
The Prince went on to meet structural engineers, architects and others involved in the rebirth of the historic landmark, including trainee carpenters and builders.
His Royal Highness surveyed the stunning Edwardian façade of Eastbrook Hall and met the team of expert stonemasons responsible for restoring the facia and glasswork back to the mint condition they first enjoyed at the turn of the 20th Century. He spoke to stonemasons Richard Denneny and Alan Bamber and glass restorer Shona McInness and viewed the restored masonry, stained glass window and cupola.
The Prince then moved to the interior of Eastbrook Hall to see one of the 73 converted apartments arranged around the central courtyard.
At a reception in his honour, The Prince talked to five groups of stakeholders involved with the historic transformation including members of Regen2000, as well as retail tenants and members of the project’s steering group.
On his departure, His Royal Highness enjoyed a performance by the local Free Spirit Methodist Choir.
Councillor Adrian Naylor, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy said: “This is a significant milestone in the regeneration of Bradford city centre. The completion of such a dramatic residential building is fantastic news for the Bradford district, and is evidence of the city’s vision to become a place where people want to live.”
Tony Marsh, Director of Aldersgate Estates said: “The official opening of Eastbrook Hall is a key date in the building’s history. One of Bradford’s most distinctive buildings, the hall has undergone a careful restoration which has taken years of painstaking work. The opening marks the end of this journey and is an event everyone who has been involved in the project, and the people of Bradford, should be proud of.”
Sayeed Hafejee, Regeneration Manager for English Partnerships, the Government''s National Regeneration Agency said: “It is great news that Eastbrook Hall has been officially opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. We are not only strong supporters of restoration projects within the community but also have helped fund the project, and the hall is now a prime example of housing in an area which has lots of potential, and is a small but significant part of the city’s ambitious plans.”
Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration added: “The official opening of Eastbrook Hall marks the end of the painstaking restoration of this outstanding building through a unique public and private sector partnership. The development demonstrates the city’s commitment to making Bradford’s past part of its future, through the revival of historic buildings to preserve the rich heritage of the city. The distinctive Eastbrook Hall has been carefully renovated and now sits as the magnificent face of the vibrant Little Germany area, one of the key developments within Bradford’s £3bn regeneration plans.”