Manningham Mills Community Association and Prohelp companies

Manningham Mills Community Association (MMCA) was formed in 1995 by a group of local people who expressed concern over the future of one of Bradford's major landmarks.  . It was formally established in 1997 and registered as a charity and company limited by guarantee in 2002 with an aim to ensure the long term development of the mill and its contribution to economic and social development of the surrounding community.

The decline of the mill has affected the Manningham area due to the loss of trade and jobs in this building. The MMCA was formed in 1995 by a group of local people and held a series of meetings regarding the future of the mills.

The mill was bought buy property developers Urban Splash in 2001 with assistance from Yorkshire Forward and Bradford Council, they have since created 131 apartments in the Grade II listed building and made the most of its stunning original features such as high vaulted ceilings, exposed brick work, sandstone walls and fantastic views over the city.  Hammonds negotiated a lease for space on the ground floor to create a community centre, having secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund.  As a result MMCA have a 25 year lease which started in 2007, the community space is rent free for the first 10 years and a low ‘shell’ market value rental will be charged after this time. 

West Yorkshire ProHelp provided support, several needs of the MMCA.  Hammonds solicitors based in Leeds worked on the lease between MMCA and Urban Splash, to agree the lease of the community space. Robinson Design Group and Northcroft worked on drawings and costings for the community space which have completed the grant application to funders such as the Lottery Fund and ERDF for completion of these plans. Alongside this, KPMG worked with the group to design their business plan.

After a twelve year struggle, Manningham Mills Community Centre opened its doors in July 2007 and started providing services to the people who live and work in the area.  The centre generates income via letting meeting, conference, function and IT training facilities.  It provides an out of school club, group activities such as keep fit and community cafe.  The income generated has exceeded the VAT registration limit of 65K therefore the MMCA is to become VAT registered in 2009.  The MMCA has generated substantial income streams that have allowed a shift from 70% grant funded to 30% grant funded in 2009.