Major civil infrastructure project on course to transform city centre

Work is under way to turn the core of Bradford city centre into a safer, more accessible space, with parts of the ambitious project now approaching completion.

For the last 15 months Bradford Council has been collaborating with construction partner Balfour Beatty on the scheme, which includes enhancing pedestrian access, public transport, and cycling routes.

Key improvements include creation of a modern “Sparrow Crossing” (a crossing that keeps pedestrians and cyclists separate) at Jacobs Well, the redesign of road and pavement layouts across Westgate, Godwin Street, and Sunbridge Road, and pedestrianisation of areas such as Hall Ings, Broadway, Bank Street, Bridge Street and Market Street.

From left, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw and Balfour Beatty portfolio director Scott Donson

New cycle lanes, 18 bus shelters, and an expanded green space are also part of the upgrades.

These changes aim to revitalise the area, improve traffic flow, and create a more accessible, sustainable city centre.

Ongoing work is being undertaken in readiness for the addition of trees and other greenery.

It includes the introduction of a ‘meeting circle’ on Hall Ings by St George’s Hall, which is formed by two large crescent shaped planters. Soft landscaping throughout the scheme has begun, with turf going down on Broadway, and trees being planted along Market Street.

The next phase of works will see a further injection of greenery with more trees and shrubs being planted in raised planters, roadside beds and within root cells which have been installed, improving the biodiversity of the city centre.

This civil infrastructure project is being delivered through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund, which is a capital grant transport fund, provided by the Department for Transport.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “It’s great to see the progress being made. The transformation is really starting to take shape.

“I know our contractors are working as quickly as they can to complete sections and get them open to pedestrians and now that the greenery is being added people should be able to start to get a feel for what it will be like once it’s completed.

“We know the scale of the construction work has cause disruption, but the end result will be worth it and will benefit us and future generation for many years to come.”

Councillor Peter Carlill, deputy chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “I’m pleased to see the progress on this transformative scheme for Bradford city centre, which will make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel.

“It will also reduce traffic and improve public transport – helping towards our goal of being a net zero carbon region by 2038.”

Scott Donson, Balfour Beatty portfolio director, added: “We are incredibly pleased with the progress our teams are making to turn the heart of Bradford into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.

“By incorporating greenery and beautifully designed spaces, we are not only reducing traffic and creating more sustainable transport routes, but also building a healthier and greener future for the city.”