Development partner chosen to transform city’s former retail heart

Plans to turn Bradford’s former retail district into a “City Village” have taken a step forward with Bradford Council’s appointment of ECF as its preferred development partner to deliver the scheme.

ECF is a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and developer Muse.

ECF’s appointment, via Muse, was approved in principle by the council’s Executive Board, subject to final contract agreements later this month.

Bradford City Village is set to deliver up to 1,000 homes, three new parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices.

The council’s Executive Board also approved plans to enter into a grant funding agreement with Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, to release £29.9m of provisional Brownfield Infrastructure & Land (BIL) funding, subject to final Homes England approval before the end of this year.

Credit: 5plus/Dematerial

The funding will be used to make improvements to the road network and public spaces, as well as support demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres.

The Oastler demolition is set to start in summer 2025.

It is hoped the initial BIL funding will help attract further investment to unlock future phases of the masterplan, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre.

Over the last 18 months, ECF has been working with Bradford Council to develop a masterplan.

ECF will now work with the council to progress a planning application. A second phase of public consultation will take place later this year, with an application expected to be submitted in spring 2025.

Bradford Council lead member for regeneration, transport and planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “This is part of a much bigger picture of regeneration across Bradford as our current regeneration programme like One City Park, Darley Street Market and the pedestrianisation works start to complete.

“City Village is the next big regeneration programme and will redefine the centre of Bradford.

“It shows the direction of the city centre for the next 10 years – quality housing, more public and green spaces and safer streets to create the quality of city centre living that Bradford needs and deserves.

“While housing is at the heart of these plans, City Village will also create opportunities for new independent retail, cafes, bars and business spaces.

Credit: 5plus/Dematerial

“Bringing more homes into the city centre will also increase custom for the existing businesses on North Parade, where our recent investment shows what a sustainable, greener high street can look like.”

Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, added: “City Village is Bradford’s most ambitious regeneration project in generations.

“The funding made available by Homes England marks a significant step forward and demonstrates the commitment to ECF’s partnership with Bradford Council and the future of the city centre, coinciding with the city’s forthcoming UK City of Culture year.

“We’re excited to continue to work with the council, Homes England and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to help Bradford realise its full potential, transforming the city centre into a safe, sustainable and inclusive place where people will want to live, as well as work and visit.”