Investment approved for plans to transform city centre
The regional mayor and five district leaders of West Yorkshire have approving £13.2m worth of funding for Bradford’s City Village scheme, pending final business case agreement.
The development aims to transform Bradford city centre with almost a thousand new homes and three new green spaces, alongside opportunities for independent retail, hospitality sites and office space to open.
It is part of wider regional plans to unleash the full economic potential of Bradford and improve the living standards of local residents.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is also prioritising Bradford’s transport links to other regions.
Credit: 5Plus Architects
It says plans to regenerate Bradford’s Southern Gateway with a new railway through-station could unlock 5,000 new homes and 27,000 jobs.
The authority’s in-principle investment of £13.2m for Bradford City Village is another boost for the project after the Government committed £30m of funding, which will be delivered by Bradford Council working with ECF, formerly the English Cities Fund.
ECF is a partnership between the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England; financial services group, L&G; and placemaker, Muse.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “The flagship City Village scheme will deliver high-quality homes and act as a catalyst for jobs and economic growth, putting more money in people’s pockets.
“This is a historic moment for Bradford. By developing the City Village and Southern Gateway, and then bringing these sites into our fully integrated transport system, we will help residents to thrive and businesses to flourish.
“As the UK’s City of Culture, the eyes of the nation are fixed upon Bradford as one of our youngest, most exciting and up-and-coming cities. Already an economic powerhouse, with the right housing, transport links and business growth, Bradford’s rise will be unstoppable.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “It’s fantastic news to secure £13m from the Combined Authority for the first phase on top of the £30m we’ve already secured through Homes England.
“That represents significant investment into Bradford and is another positive step forward towards achieving our vision of a sustainable, healthy and thriving neighbourhood, which will re-define the city centre.
“Housing, which includes affordable housing, is at the heart of the plans but the impact will be far greater than new homes.
“This is a transformative regeneration programme including three new community parks and public spaces, along with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices designed to meet the needs of future generations.
Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, added: “This funding is very welcome and strengthens our confidence in the ambitious plans for Bradford City Village. It will enable us to move forward at pace with delivery of the first phase of high-quality townhouses, subject to planning.
Credit: 5Plus Architects
“By delivering much-needed new homes alongside retail, business and leisure spaces and public realm, we are changing the way Bradford city centre will be used and enjoyed by future generations.
“Creating the right mix of amenities, housing and infrastructure means we can support both existing and new communities economically, socially and environmentally for the long-term.”
The City Village masterplan proposes re-development of Kirkgate, Oastler, and Chain Street. All owned by Bradford Council, the three sites will accommodate over 900 new homes.
If agreed at the final business case stage, the £13,166,409 grant will come from the West Yorkshire Mayor’s £89m Brownfield Housing Fund, and will support the first phase of the scheme.
ECF is currently working with the council to progress a planning application for Bradford City Village, expected to be submitted late summer 2025, following a second phase of public consultation later this spring.
