Charity granted planning permission to convert Little Germany listed building into training centre

Work will soon start on converting an empty Victorian listed building in Bradford into a training centre for people who have recovered from addiction. The Bridge Project has been granted planning permission to convert Pelican House in Little Germany into a centre where people who have overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol can be trained with the skills needed to move into a career. Built in the 1860s, the building in Currer Street has stood empty for more than six years, and the charity has now been granted planning permission to convert the interior. There were no objections to the plans. The Bridge Project, based in Manningham Lane, already runs the Forks Cafe on North Parade. Last year it was given a grant of £350,000 by the Department of Health to provide further training for recovered addicts. The training centre will not treat addicts, but help people who are now abstinent from drink or drugs move on to the next stage of their lives. It will teach basic English, Maths and IT skills, recovery volunteer training, including qualifications in working in health and social care, barista training supported by staff from Forks Café, cycle maintenance and repair and provide educational support including CV writing and interview skills.