(Image: Mike Simmonds)
A much-loved community centre has closed after 10 years of service.
The Hive Community Centre, based on Elliott Street in Silsden, officially shut its doors on Wednesday after a decade of serving the local community.
The closure was described as a difficult decision made due to ongoing funding and operational challenges.
Full statement
In a statement shared online, managers said: "Following a formal review, the Hive Community Centre will officially close and wind up its operations on 30th September 2026.
"After 10 years of serving our community, this difficult decision has been made due to funding and operational challenges.
"The Hive is very proud of everything that has been achieved and the positive impact this has made together with our supporters, volunteers and community partners."
The Hive Community Centre, Silsden (Image: Mike Simmonds)
'A massive loss'
The announcement was met with sadness from residents, who took to social media to share their disappointment and gratitude.
One Facebook user said: "This is really sad and will be a massive loss.
"Sorry to hear this and thankyou for all the hard work."
Another commented: "I am saddened to read this.
"It seems senseless after all the hard work and the positive impact on the community.
"Thank you for everything you have done."
What was the community centre used for?
The Hive, managed by The Hive Silsden charity, provided an events space for the town.
It was used for birthday parties, and special events like firework nights.
The centre placed a strong emphasis on supporting families, regularly hosting baby massage sessions and baby group events for parents.
The Hive Community Centre, Silsden (Image: Mike Simmonds)
A spokesperson for the charity said: "We provide a comfortable, safe, accessible space at an affordable cost for local people to hold all kinds of events.
"We are particularly well equipped for youth and children's activities, with an outdoor multi use games area surrounded by a grassy area, and an indoor playroom well equipped for children of pre-school age."
Previous successful efforts to save the site
The closure follows previous efforts to protect the site from development.
In October 2021, a petition was launched opposing Bradford Council's plans to sell a playing field next to the centre.
Although the council later announced that a small portion of the land would be sold to property developers in September 2022, the majority was kept for the benefit of the local community.