Landmark Development Agreement signed for Bradford City Village
The creation of a flagship new sustainable community in the heart of Bradford took a major
step forward this week as Bradford Council and ECF (the partnership between Homes
England, Legal & General and Muse) entered into a Development Agreement to kick-start
the first phase of Bradford City Village.
The City Village, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre, is set to be one of
the first examples of devolution in action – delivered thanks to a collaborative partnership
between Bradford Council, ECF, Homes England and the West Yorkshire Combined
Authority (WYCA). This ambitious regeneration opportunity will create up to 1,000 new
homes (including affordable homes), three new community parks and public spaces, along
with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices designed to meet the needs of future generations.
Bradford City Village aims to create a sustainable community where people can live within
walking distance of amenities, shops, parks, work and school. It will integrate an array of
strategies to promote walking, cycling and other forms of sustainable transport.
Bradford Council Leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “This is an exciting step forward in
our vision to create a healthy, sustainable and friendly neighbourhood. City Village is a
transformative regeneration programme which will re-define the city centre. Whilst housing is
at the heart of these plans, City Village will also create opportunities for new independent
retail, cafes, bars and business spaces in a city that in 2025 will become the UK’s number
one cultural destination.
“It shows the direction of Bradford for the next ten years – quality housing, more public and
green spaces with a strong cultural offer, creating the quality of city centre living that our
residents need and deserve. We’re delighted to be moving forward on City Village, as part of
a much bigger picture of regeneration across Bradford with current programmes like One
City Park complete, and the pedestrianisation works due to finish soon.”
This significant milestone comes hot on the heels of the launch of the Government’s
Devolution White Paper earlier this week - which it claims is “a key way to kickstart economic
growth.”
Bradford City Village is one of fifteen places identified in the Strategic Place Partnership
between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Homes England – announced
last year – which aims to unlock ambitious, complex residential regeneration schemes and
boost the delivery of thousands more homes.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Thanks to partnership working and the
power of devolution, we’re unlocking millions of pounds of investment to regenerate
communities, raise living standards, build more homes and grow our economy. Bradford
City Village will be a gamechanger for West Yorkshire as we work to build a stronger,
brighter region.”
With the crucial Development Agreement now in place, ECF will work in partnership with the
Council to progress a planning application expected to be submitted in spring 2025, following
a second phase of public consultation.
Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, said: “City Village is Bradford’s most ambitious
regeneration project in generations. 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.”
Bradford City Village is an important part of a transformational programme of enhancements
in the district, including the £23m Darley Street Market development and highway and public
realm infrastructure improvements as part of the Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling
Improvements scheme.
The wider project team for Bradford City Village includes 5plus Architects, re-form
Landscape Architecture, Avison Young, Cushman & Wakefield and Turner & Townsend.
For further information visit www.bradfordcityvillage.com