Necropolis Road

"Revitalising a church building into a faith-based heritage and art community hub."

■ Client

↣ New Testament Church Of God Bradford

■ Type

↣ Culture

■ JMA+

↣ Strategy

■ Location

↣ Bradford

Situated along the historic Necropolis Road, the project aimed to revitalise a church building that had served as a cornerstone of the community for generations. Originally constructed for religious worship, the building had witnessed a shift in its usage over time, including hosting an elderly day care club that closed in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

Located within an area ranked 2nd out of 30 wards for deprivation in the district, the project aligned with broader initiatives aimed at uplifting the community and fostering socio-economic growth. As part of the greater Bradford Cultural Place Partnership's vision, the Necropolis Road Project sought to tap into the transformative power of culture and heritage to breathe new life into the area.

The proposed conversion of the church into a multifunctional facility represented a strategic response to the evolving needs of the community. Drawing inspiration from the Culture is our Plan initiative, the project envisioned the creation of a dynamic space that would serve as an incubator for creative and cultural enterprises. This vision was further bolstered by the support of The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, which recognised the project's potential to contribute to the city's designation as the UK's City of Culture for 2025.

By repurposing existing spaces within the church, such as classroom-sized rooms and an underutilised basement, the project aimed to provide a platform for collaboration between local organisations, businesses, and community groups. Through strategic partnerships and operational collaborations, the Necropolis Road Project aimed to stimulate growth, promote employment, and foster a sense of belonging within the community.

In line with the programme for the Necropolis Road Project, the envisioned space would have featured versatile facilities, including classrooms, a main hall, a multipurpose exhibition and event space, and an art/business incubator. These amenities would have catered to a wide range of community needs, embodying the project's commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive hub that celebrated the area's rich cultural heritage while paving the way for a brighter future.