Community Group Secures Lease for Historic Victoria Hall, Averting Closure

A community organization has finalized an agreement to lease Victoria Hall, a Grade II-listed building that was previously at risk of closure. Members of the Queensbury Community Programme (QCP) will rent the hall for the next two years, following the signing of the agreement with its owners, Bradford Council. Bradford Council had initially planned to close the historic structure and considered selling it for redevelopment purposes. However, a campaign was launched to save the hall, and an online petition gathered nearly 2,500 signatures. The QCP has been managing the facility on behalf of the council since 2018. Under the new terms, the group will now assume responsibility for all liabilities and operational costs, which is projected to save the council £65,000 annually. Additionally, the QCP’s directors will be able to apply for restoration grants. Director Stephen Thompson expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Personally I’m elated. I think it’s absolutely brilliant news. We’ve all worked very hard over this last five years. “I think we’ve done a terrific job; that’s blowing our own trumpet, of course!” He further commented, “I will say at this stage we’ve worked very well with the local councillors, and the local council officers, in fairness, have been quite good. “I think we’ve all got the one goal and that’s to save Victoria Hall.” Thompson also highlighted the community’s contribution, adding: “I think a big mention should go out to the people of Queensbury. The support that has been behind us to achieve this has been absolutely phenomenal.” Queensbury Councillor Luke Majkowski, who was involved in the efforts to preserve the hall, remarked: “I’m humbled, to be honest. It’s some of the best news we’ve had in Queensbury for many, many years.” He continued, “It’s given us that freedom to actually go and where we’ve always had this wall stopping us, that wall’s been removed and we can just run with it.” Bradford Council, consistent with other local authorities, has aimed to sell or transfer assets to address budget shortfalls. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw stated: “We are delighted that we have been able to work together with QCP to draw up this agreement and that this much-loved building can continue to be a vital hub for the people of Queensbury.” Victoria Hall, constructed in 1891, was financed by the Foster family, who owned the local Black Dyke Mills. The Fosters also provided housing, shops, and leisure amenities for their workers in Queensbury. The hall’s original configuration included a concert venue, gallery seating, a library, and a billiards room. It also served as a sponsor for the mill’s renowned brass band. For the village, it functioned as a social club, an educational institution, and a recreation center.