Regional leaders back plans to boost Bradford with new housing, transport and investment
Residents of Bradford will benefit from more housebuilding, better transport and
increased investment into the district, after regional leaders came together to back
ambitious plans for a flagship regeneration project in the city.
Today (Thursday 3 April), the regional mayor and five district leaders of West
Yorkshire cemented their commitment to the long-term prosperity of Bradford by
approving funding for its 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 and hospitality sites to open up alongside new office space.
The flagship sustainable community to the North of Centenary Square is a part of
wider regional plans to unleash the full economic potential of Bradford and improve
the living standards of local residents.
Mayor Brabin’s proposals to bring trams to Bradford – which received renewed
backing from the Prime Minister last week – will redefine the urban journey from
Bradford city centre to Leeds city centre, improve public spaces, drive economic
growth, and ensure faster, more reliable access to essential destinations, while
linking key communities in between.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is also prioritising Bradford’s transport links
to other regions, to make life easier for working people and to accelerate the flow of
inward investment into the district. Plans to regenerate Bradford’s Southern Gateway
with a new railway through-station could unlock 5,000 new homes and 27,000 jobs.
Combined with improvements to the East-West rail line through the £11 billion
Transpennine Route Upgrade, this would mean a journey time of just 30 minutes
between Bradford and Manchester, and 12 minutes between Bradford and Leeds.
The Mayor’s in-principle investment of £13.2 million for Bradford City Village is
another major boost for the UK’s City of Culture 2025, after the Government
committed £30 million of funding for the scheme 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; the
leading UK financial services group, L&G; and the nationwide placemaker, Muse.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Devolution is working for West Yorkshire.
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 Centre 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.”
Cllr 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.
“We’re delighted to be moving forward on City Village, and this incredible opportunity
is part of a much bigger picture of ongoing regeneration across Bradford with the
pedestrianisation and re-landscaping of the city centre already making such a
significant positive impact, alongside ambitious projects like One City Park and
Bradford Live.”
Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, said:
“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.
“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.
“We have a real opportunity to unlock more opportunities and catalyse further
investment in Bradford. We will continue to work with our partners – all of whom
share our bold vision for the future of this city – to make this happen.”
The City Village masterplan proposes the re-development of Kirkgate, Oastler, and
Chain Street. All owned by Bradford Council, the three sites will accommodate over
900 new homes in a vibrant and attractive city centre location for young
professionals to live and work.
With over a quarter of Bradford’s population under the age of eighteen, the proposed
neighbourhood has been designed to serve both the current and future needs of the
district. It will also include revamped roads and pavements alongside new cycle
lanes and urban spaces, to improve transport links to local amenities and promote
the health and wellbeing of local residents.
If approved at the final business case stage, the £13,166,409 grant will come from
the West Yorkshire Mayor’s £89 million Brownfield Housing Fund, and will support
the first phase of the scheme.
ECF is currently working in partnership 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.