Last month a planning application for a new café in Wibsey Park was approved by Bradford Council.
The café will be zero carbon, and one of the first community constructed buildings in Bradford.
Bradford Organic Communities Service, an environmental charity based at Wibsey Park Gardens, had submitted the plans for an indoor café with workshop space for the charity’s activities, as well as an outdoor terrace.
Now more details of the new café have been revealed.
Community-led architects Architecture Unknown have designed a space, which they say will be among one of the first community-constructed buildings in Bradford.
It will be a zero-carbon, modular design system called “WikiHouse”.
WikiHouse is an unconventional, modular building system that allows everyone from skilled tradespeople to first-time volunteers to bring the build to life.
Wibsey Community Gardens are currently home to a series of growing spaces, seating areas, and ‘ScrapMagic’ – a creative reuse shop housed in a repurposed cabin. Based in Manningham, the team also manage a used-paint upcycling operation and provide opportunities for outdoor special needs support classes in the community gardens.
The new plans will see the enhancement of the existing provision, aimed at improving both the social and practical activities taking place in the park.
Architecture Unknown has designed a building nestled in the site, which will include a flexible café and workshop zone.
The existing ScrapMagic cabin will be replaced with a new unit – donated by Portakabin – and reimagined internally to include both a retail space and an admin office. Wibsey Community Gardens will also have new picnic benches and outdoor seating area.
Charlie Butterwick, Director of Architecture Unknown, said: “This is a community-build in the truest sense. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with the charity to understand what their volunteers and the local community wanted and needed from the space.
“By using the accessible WikiHouse system, we’re embedding both ownership and craftsmanship into the very fabric of the project. This isn’t just a building – it’s a natural continuation of BOCS’s strong culture of growing, making and sharing. The innovative construction process will empower Wibsey Community Gardens to be a truly community-led centre, built by and for local people.”
The project is supported by the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
Jen White from BOCS Ltd added: “Our charity is thrilled to receive planning permission and be able to start work with our WikiHouse build. This will provide warm indoor seated areas for all our communities making our lovely gardens and refreshments available for everyone all year round.”
