Masterplan for city centre aims to deliver 1,000 homes
An ambitious set of proposals for the centre of Bradford will be put before the public this month.
People will be able to have their say to help shape plans for Bradford City Village, which aims to deliver 1,000 new homes and revitalise the former retail heart of the city centre.
Bradford Council and the English Cities Fund (ECF) are working to create a new sustainable neighbourhood in the “Top of Town” and Darley Street areas, which includes the sites of the Kirkgate and Oastler shopping centres.
The vision is designed to reduce outdated retail stock and reshape this part of the city centre to reflect changing times in the economy, creating a new retail core as well as new public spaces, homes and streets.
Residents, businesses and stakeholders will be able to take part in an online survey or attend a roadshow event where they can meet the project team and share their views.
The project will look to build on the momentum of the new £23m Darley Street Market development, NEC Bradford Live and the recently completed One City Park building, as well as the major highway and public realm infrastructure improvements taking place across the city as part of the Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements scheme.
ECF is a strategic joint venture between developer Muse, which has recently delivered the 56,400 sq ft One City Park office scheme in Bradford; investor Legal & General; and the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England.
Simon Dew, development director at ECF, said: “While much needed new housing is at the heart of this vision, City Village will also boost opportunities for independent retail, cafes, bars and business spaces.
“At this early stage as our plans are still taking shape, we’re starting a conversation with local residents and businesses.
“We plan to submit a planning application for City Village towards the end of 2024, and there will be further opportunities for people to get involved as our plans develop.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “City Village is one of the most significant regeneration developments in the district, bringing not just much needed quality housing into the city centre, but also providing opportunities for our independent retail and hospitality businesses.
“This first consultation is an early opportunity for people to have their say and help shape the future of the historic ‘Top of Town’ area of the city centre.”
The consultation survey can be filled in at www.bradfordcityvillage.com and is open until 7 January 2024. People can also meet the project team at public roadshow events including:
- Kirkgate Shopping Centre (BD1 1TQ): Thursday 7 December 2023 12pm – 4pm.
- The Broadway (BD1 1JR): Friday 8 December 2023 2.30pm – 6.30pm and Saturday 9 December 2023 11.30am – 3.30pm.
Bradford City Village also features in the new strategic place partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Homes England, unveiled earlier this year.
