City church to live on as centre for arts, culture and religion

An historic church in Bradford has been transformed into an arts and cultural centre where people can continue to worship.

Work began last year to revamp the German Church in the Great Horton area of the city with the roof of the main space, balcony and organ all being restored with funding from the Enterprise Growth Initiative.

People began to use the Delius Arts & Cultural Centre earlier this year but now it is ready to launch a busy arts programme from October.

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Named after the Bradford-born composer, the Grade II listed building has gone through a renovation, redecoration and refurbishment.

The complex comprises two spaces suitable for a variety of activities, artists' studios, offices and a small courtyard.

Arts practitioner and producer Samuel Collier, who is a former house manager of Bradford Playhouse and Huddersfield's Lawrence Batley Theatre, is to be centre manager.

Mr Collier said: "The Delius is a terrific new complex in a great location and these functional spaces can host a variety of activities from conferences, parties and celebratory events to the performing arts.

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"There is also scope for business use. My priority is to get this charismatic building used and busy. Bradford is rebooting as a city and we want to contribute to that in the shape of a huge opportunity for everyone."

Work began on the venue last year after arts practitioners and members of the church's congregation got together to form a board after spotting the potential for using the historic building as an arts space.

The traditional German congregation will continue to hold church services on the last Sunday of each month at the centre.

"It is positive to still involve the German congregation and it is nice that the arts and the church can run alongside each other," said Mr Collier, who is keen to hear from anyone who wants to hire, contribute or be involved in Bradford's newest venue.

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The centre will host a wealth of professional and amateur theatre in the main space in the autumn season.

Actors Community Theatre is staging two plays, My Mother Said I Never Should, a piece with an all-female cast from October 14 to 16, and the thriller, Murder in the Red Barn from December 9 to 11.

Agatha Christie's The Rats will be presented by the Green Room from October 21 to 23.

The Delius also wants to present an in-house Shakespearean festival next year and is already looking for actors and participants to take part. Various art exhibitions and installations are planned over the next two years.

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A monthly Open Mic evening takes place every month in one of the smaller spaces, giving the chance to local people to perform anything from stand-up comedy to poetry and music.

Art exhibitions by Helen Wood, John Allcock and various local schools and colleges have been on display at the centre throughout the year.

Youth plays a large part in the plans for the Delius.

The arts centre is the new home and base of the Bradford Stage & Theatre School, which will be telling the infamous tale of the demon barber of Fleet Street with their production of Sweeny Todd playing at the centre from December 14 to 16.

The Delius is also the home of the new Bradford Community Choir which meets every Monday evening and is to perform a special candle-light concert in December.

Choir co-ordinator Ryan Kelsey said: "The Delius is a must for any new or well-established arts organisations. It has a nice atmosphere and is a great base for rehearsing."

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