BUILDING MAKEOVER TO CREATE HAPPY SHIP

Space Group associate director Nigel Pilkington (far right) shows the Sea Cadets the new design proposals.

YOUNG sea cadets across Bradford are riding on the crest of a wave after triumphing in a regional building makeover competition.

Earlier this year, Leeds-based _space architecture, part of Space Group, called for charity groups in need of a makeover to come forward to win a free renovation or refurbishment.

Bradford T.S Aurora Sea Cadets, a voluntary organisation for youngsters aged 12 to 18, has beaten off 20 other hopefuls and will now have its rundown premises overhauled.

Space Group has already visited the old school building and discovered the premises all at sea.

Now they are working on plans to redecorate the toilet and classroom areas, re-design the changing rooms and make the building shipshape.

Space Group’s Yorkshire office hopes to team up with local suppliers and contractors to help support the costs of the materials.

Space Group associate director Nigel Pilkington said: “We have visited the building and the main priorities are the classroom, toilets and changing rooms. As well as designing better storage zones, we will decorate the toilets with fresh paint, add more privacy screens in the changing rooms and add mirrors and shelving to make it a nicer and friendlier place to be.”

Alan Mandreit from the Sea Cadets said: “We have been trying to fix the building ourselves for years but it has proved to be an endless task. We have worked hard to improve things by painting as much as we can, but time constraints and lack of budget means it has been a slow process.

“We have also been trying to raise funds but the majority of this money is to fund a new minibus so I really am thrilled that Space Group has been our saving grace.”

Space Group opened up the competition in Yorkshire after successfully renovating a North-East children’s centre in the style of a TV 60-minute makeover.

Space Group CEO Rob Charlton said: “Working in communities is what our business is all about and we are particularly interested in supporting young people.

“The entire architecture team at the Yorkshire office has spent a lot of time whittling down the shortlist of entrants and we agreed that the sea cadets’ premises were most in need of a facelift.

“By applying our architectural and design skills, together with hands-on help such as painting and decorating, I’m sure we can make a real difference.

“Simple things, such as the clever use of colour and shape, can make a huge difference to how the area is perceived and used. I can’t wait to see the cadets benefitting from their new building.”