Rooted In

Budget

£350k

Rooted In required a new charity headquarters that could also function as a multi-use community hub. The Old Vicarage, a 19th-century building in Bradford, needed reconfiguration to create a welcoming, flexible environment while accommodating modern facilities, including a commercial kitchen and spaces for community workshops.

The design rethinks the internal layout to improve connections between rooms and introduce additional space where needed. Two extensions are proposed: a side extension to house the main entrance and ancillary facilities, and a rear extension to support the commercial kitchen and future workshops.

The project is organised to allow phased delivery according to available funding:

Phase 1: Internal renovation
Phase 2: Ground floor extensions
Phase 3: Attic conversion
Phase 4: Outdoor workshop

The extensions employ a mix of timber and zinc cladding, large windows, and rooflights to maximise natural light and bring warmth and tactility to the building. Modern touches and varied textures create a visually striking contrast with the original austere Vicarage, giving the interventions a confident and inviting presence.

Once completed, the Old Vicarage Youth Centre will provide a safe, inspiring space for young people, combining play, learning, and relaxation under one roof. The open-plan layout and flexible features, including moveable walls and adaptable communal areas, allow the building to support a range of activities and events, responding to the evolving needs of the local community.

We are thrilled to also share that the Old Vicarage Youth Centre has been long-listed on Architecture-in-Development, among 26 exceptional projects.