MIPIM 2012: Opportunities abound in Bradford
BRADFORD is becoming a “dynamic and intense” city as its regeneration strategy gathers pace, delegates at MIPIM were told today.
Speaking at a developer and investor forum entitled ‘Bradford: gathering momentum’, Barra Mac Ruairi, strategic director in the department of regeneration and culture at Bradford Council, said initiatives such as the city centre’s ‘growth zone’ and the recent completion of City Park demonstrated the many positive things happening in the West Yorkshire city.
Mr Mac Ruairi highlighted the major businesses, such as Morrisons and Yorkshire Building Society, based in Bradford.
He said he was positive about progress on schemes including the stalled Westfield shopping centre and regeneration of the former Odeon cinema, now known as New Victoria Place.
He said the completion of City Park, which includes one of the world’s largest water features, was an example of how Bradford Council was an “enabler”.
“Everything we’re in control of we push hard on,” he said. “What we’re not involved in we enable.”
He added: “The City Park is the heart in which we want to build our Central Business District around. The city has now extended its opening time.”
Mr Mac Ruairi highlighted the completion Southgate, a scheme only completed via a financial injection by Bradford Council.
It is now the headquarters of Provident Financial and houses 1,000 employees.
Other opportunities presented to delegates included the Canal Road Corridor and Baildon Digital Park.
