Bradford College Grove Building

The Grove Building at Bradford College, originally the Mannville New Connection chapel, was constructed in 1877 based on designs by the Leeds architectural firm Hill and Swann. This large chapel is made of sandstone ashlar and features intricate Italianate and neo-classical details. It has a two-storey, five-bay front that is raised on a semi-basement due to the sloping site. The building showcases rusticated and panelled quoin pilasters, along with coupled and single plain pilasters that define the three central bays on the first floor. A panelled frieze and a heavy dentilled cornice add to its grandeur. At the centre, an open pedimented gable, supported by large inverted consoles against the parapet, is adorned with antifixae and an anthemion. The flanking bays feature a balustraded parapet capped with vases. The entrance is marked by a portico with six Composite columns, arranged in pairs on the outer sides, which support a dentil entablature and are set above a broad flight of steps. The first floor has round-headed windows framed by pilasters. To the east, there is a later wing, built around 1900, which includes a hip domed tower and segmental pedimented oculi dormers in a Beaux Arts style. The building occupies a prominent site, balancing the Technical College located opposite.