Next phase to begin on £43m city centre transformation

Work on the next phase of a project to transform Bradford city centre is due to start next week.

From 19 February, Hall Ings will be partially closed to vehicle traffic to allow for accelerated works to begin that will eventually see the majority of Hall Ings become part of an expanded Norfolk Gardens, creating a new pedestrianised public space.

The closure will prevent westbound general traffic travelling from Drake Street to Jacobs Well.

Eastbound traffic will still be able to use Hall Ings temporarily, ahead of the planned full closure of Hall Ings to all vehicles to create the space for the expanded Norfolk Gardens, due to be complete by the end of this year.

These latest works on Hall Ings start as the work to improve junctions and crossings on roads, and to create a new public transport loop to improve bus service reliability around the periphery of the city centre is nearing completion.

Most work on the second, most substantial phase of work – to pedestrianise some city centre streets, create new, green landscaped public spaces, and make it easier to walk, cycle and use a wheelchair around the city centre – is due to begin in the spring.

These initial works on the westbound carriageway of Hall Ings are being brought forward ahead of the rest of the core works to enable the overall city centre project to keep to its schedule of being largely complete ready for the start of 2025 and the beginning of Bradford district’s year as UK City of Culture.

Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are working together on this £43m scheme, which is being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “Work on the transformation of the city centre, creating new open traffic-free spaces making it safer, easier and more pleasant for people to get around and between the shopping and entertainment areas is progressing well.

“While the scale of construction works means delays to journeys through the city centre are inevitable, particularly at peak times, the end result will be worth it and will benefit us and future generations for many years to come.”