Keeping Bradford’s vacant Richard Dunn Sports Centre secure is costing taxpayers more than £6,000 a week, sparking a row over the decision to grant the building Grade II listed status.
The former leisure centre, which closed in 2019, is costing Bradford Council £6,017 a week in security measures introduced following a police security audit earlier this year. That amounts to more than £312,000 annually.
The figures were revealed after Conservative councillor Debbie Davies, who represents Baildon, questioned council bosses about security costs and unauthorised access to the site.
The 1970s leisure centre closed following the opening of the more modern Sedbergh Leisure Centre and was originally earmarked for demolition.
However, demolition plans were halted in 2022 when the building was granted Grade II listed status following a request from the Twentieth Century Society and a recommendation from Historic England.
The heritage body described the distinctive domed building as a “bold and accomplished design for a 1970s local leisure.”
The centre has remained empty, although it has been used as a filming location for major productions, including 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
Security costs rise after break-in
In response to Cllr Davies, Bradford Council confirmed that security was increased following a break-in in March 2026.
Council bosses said: “Following a social media post and a break into Richard Dunns in late March 2026, a police security audit was completed, with a clear instruction to increase physical security presence on site.
“This was implemented with immediate effect and is currently costing £6,017 per week. Since the increase in physical security in April 2026, there has been no unauthorised access to the building, and one incident where travellers gained access, approximately 19 caravans, staying seven days and vacating without further incidents.
“Current security measures are under review with options being considered to increase other measures, and in turn reduce physical security.”
The council added that security required during filming, fun fairs or car parking is paid for by organisations licensed to use the site.
Councillor criticises heritage listing
Cllr Davies criticised Historic England and the Twentieth Century Society, arguing that the decision to protect the building had left taxpayers facing substantial ongoing costs.
She said: “The intervention of Historic England in 2022, which prevented the demolition of this building, which they describe as of “a bold and established design” has cost the residents of Bradford District a lot of money and left them cornered, with no end in sight.
“My colleagues and I do not share their description on this 1970s eyesore, which I suspect that His Majesty the King would describe as a carbuncle of a building.”
She argued that the organisations should have considered the financial implications of preserving a building that would be expensive to bring back into use.
Cllr Davies added: “The vast majority of Bradford District residents would shed no tears over the demolition of this building and much prefer an end to the nonsensical drain on their taxes.”
She called on Historic England and the Twentieth Century Society to cover the ongoing security costs until a viable future use could be found.
Historic England responds to criticism
Historic England pointed out that although it recommended listing the building, the final decision was made by the then Conservative Government.
A spokesperson said: “Historic England recommended the Richard Dunn Sports Centre for listing in 2022, following a careful assessment of its architectural and historic interest. The final decision to list the building at Grade II was made by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
“We recognise the concerns that have been expressed locally and remain committed to working constructively with Bradford Council and partners to explore realistic and sustainable options for the building’s future.”
The Twentieth Century Society also defended the listing, noting that the decision was taken by then Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a Conservative.
A spokesperson said: “What this fantastic building – and all of the many empty listed buildings across Britain – need is not political point scoring, but vision and commitment.”
The organisation highlighted proposals it published in 2024 to transform the centre into a major indoor skate facility.
Developed alongside Skateboard GB and specialist architects, the plans would use the existing building’s distinctive roof to accommodate a new skatepark.
The society argued that Bradford has a shortage of skating and wheeled-sports facilities and that the centre could be brought back into community use.
It added: “We stand ready and willing to work collaboratively and pragmatically with Councillors of any political persuasion, to help find a viable new use for centre. No one wants to see an empty and shuttered facility.
“Rather than relitigating the past, we’d rather forge a better future for a place that’s woven into Bradford’s social and sporting history.”
Bradford Council is reviewing security arrangements to identify potential savings, while the future of the Grade II listed building remains unresolved.
