Bradford charity Bradnet, which supports disabled people to live an independent life, is set to expand its base in the city after purchasing the former Bradford Register Office.
The organisation, which has been operating for over 20 years, provides independent living services, access to short breaks, as well as outreach and advocacy for service users. The support, advice and assistance aims to help disabled people overcome physical obstacles, lack of opportunity and financial issues, to enable them to lead fulfilling lives.
Bradnet was provided with legal advice on the purchase of the building, on Manor Row, by a team from Yorkshire law firm Gordons led by commercial property lawyer Nick Chamberlain.
The Grade II Listed building will be refurbished to provide meeting rooms, offices, conference rooms and other facilities for the charity and the wider community as it looks to expand its operation. Work to upgrade the property will take place over a phased period, according to funding and other resources, although the charity is set to move its operations to the building in May.
Commenting on the deal, Asif Hussain, chief executive of Bradnet, said: “We are delighted and privileged to have completed the purchase of this historic building and are looking forward to putting the building to community use.
“Buying the property will enable us to develop a community hub in the city centre and allow us to continue to engage, empower, enable and enrich the lives of disabled people in the area. We are grateful to Nick and his team at Gordons for the advice they provided throughout the process, which was invaluable.”
Bradnet’s Independent Living Service provides person-centred support in personal care and social inclusion to children and adults with disabilities through personal assistants. Additionally, Bradnet delivers its Short Breaks Service in partnership with the Special Inclusion Project at Bradford Council, which enables young people to access social activities in the community. It also provides information, advice and guidance through its Outreach Service.
Nick Chamberlain, a commercial property specialist at Gordons, said: “Bradnet’s acquisition of the former Register Office in Bradford marks an exciting new chapter for the charity and the opportunity to develop a community hub in the city centre. The charity does fantastic work in our region and I’m sure the move to a larger property will be a resounding success.”
Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford and employs 196 people. Clients include Morrisons; international brewers Molson Coors; and the world’s largest electrical heating business Glen Dimplex.
