Neglect fears over 'at risk' empty city store

A landmark art deco former department store in Bradford has been added to a list of notable buildings in Britain considered to be currently "at risk".

Sunwin House had been "one of the most modern and stylish looking shops in Britain" when it was built in 1936, according to The 20th Century Society.

But the charity warned that the building, whose architectural style was inspired by Germany's Bauhaus art movement, had stood empty for nearly 15 years and was in danger of "creeping neglect".

A spokesperson for the society added: "With Bradford in the spotlight as UK City of Culture 2025, hopes are high that Sunwin House could find the impetus required to dazzle once more."

Sunwin House, which was most recently used as a TJ Hughes department store after the firm went into administration in 2011, is one of 10 buildings featured on The 20th Century Society's "risk list" for 2025.

The list also includes the former National Centre for Popular Music in Sheffield, the Grand National Rollercoaster in Blackpool and the East Stand at Newcastle United's St James' Park stadium.

Oli Marshall, campaign director for The 20th Century Society, said: "For a 90-year-old building, it survives in remarkably good condition internally and externally, but having sat empty for 15 years there are fears that creeping neglect could threaten its future."

Despite the demise of department stores in recent years, there had been "some really imaginative and encouraging" approaches to re-using them such as co-working office spaces, hotels, gyms, university campuses, food markets, studios and repair shops, Mr Marshall said.

"We've even seen some recently with pop-up skateparks and go-kart tracks."

Mr Marshall added: "Despite the challenges these buildings can present - their sheer scale, deep floor plates, high energy costs - with the right vision and a sympathetic developer, it can be done."

Si Cunningham, chair of Bradford Civic Society, said it was "concerning" to see Sunwin House added to The 20th Century Society's "risk list".

"But it also can be helpful having a national group bring some attention to the building," he said.

"Bradford is not the only city struggling with former department stores, and we are seeing more and more innovate re-uses elsewhere."

Mr Cunningham said that once new city centre music venue Bradford Live opened, "there could be renewed commercial interest in that part of the city".

"We know there is a shortage of quality hotel space in Bradford. In the right hands, Sunwin House could be a destination in its own right," he said.

Additional reporting by Chris Young, Local Democracy Reporter.

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