Funds to be approved to complete ‘game changing’ city centre market

Bradford Councillors will be updated on the final stages of work at the new Darley Street Market in a report which will go to Bradford Council’s Executive on 18 February.

This report will also seek to draw down funding which has already been set aside for general capital contingencies to enable final fitout works go ahead inside the building.

This will allow the completion of the fitting out of the non-food and fresh food stalls at Darley Street Market on the lower and middle floors.

Since mid-November 2024 the fitting out of the food and beverage hall, which is on the top floor, has been underway and this is scheduled to be finished soon.

Bradford Council has appointed Keighley firm RN Wooler and Co Ltd to work with the traders on the fresh food and the non-food floors.

The firm will provide detailed costs, designs and a construction schedule for the fit out of these two floors.

Once the construction schedule has been completed the council says it will be able to confirm a date for the market’s opening.

The Darley Street Market building has three trading floors for independent traders and will also provide space for live music, arts and entertainment.

Bradford Council says it will replace two outdated city centre markets – The Oastler Market and the Kirkgate Market which is inside the Kirkgate Shopping Centre – noting that these two buildings are already beyond their lifespan.

Closure of the old markets will free up space in the city centre to deliver City Village, a regeneration scheme which aims to create a neighbourhood with 1,000 homes, three community parks, retail, and office space.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This latest report will provide an update on the progress of the fit out of the food and beverage hall of the new Darley Street Market as well as formally request the draw down of the funds to allow the fit out of the other floors to progress.

“We know the new market will be a real game changer for the city centre. It will provide a much-needed connection between the already completed improvement work in the area around North Parade, and the new public spaces and traffic-free areas at the lower end of town.

“Replacing the two old outdated markets with this new market unlocks these spaces and act as a catalyst for us to deliver City Village, this major regeneration scheme which has already brought £30m in investment from Homes England.

“Once complete City Village will be a healthy, sustainable and community-friendly neighbourhood with 1,000 homes, three community parks, retail, and office space.

“We know everyone is keen to see the new Darley Street Market open and we will make a further announcement about an opening date as soon as we can.”