Plans to transform Bradford’s former retail heart into a new sustainable ‘City Village’ have taken a major step forward with the Government confirming nearly £30m of funding for the scheme from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund.
Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, has confirmed £29.5m to support Bradford City Village, which is a major development project to transform key brownfield sites into vibrant residential areas within the city centre.
Bradford City Village is set to deliver up to 1,000 new homes (including affordable homes), three new community parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices.
The funding will be used to make improvements to the road network and public spaces, as well as support the demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres. The Oastler demolition is set to commence in autumn 2025 and will enable the future regeneration opportunity to come forward.
It is anticipated the initial Brownfield Infrastructure and Land funding will also help attract further investment to unlock future phases of the masterplan, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre.
Bradford Council has appointed ECF (formerly The English Cities Fund), the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, as its preferred development partner to deliver the scheme. Over the last 18 months, ECF has been working with Bradford Council to develop the masterplan, including extensive public consultation and engagement.
ECF will now work in partnership with the Council to progress a planning application. A third phase of public consultation will take place later this year, with an application expected to be submitted in late spring 2025.
The regeneration opportunity 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.
Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “This confirmation of £30m in funding for our City Village vision is brilliant news for Bradford. City Village is a central part of our ambition to deliver a modern city centre residential offer.
“This announcement demonstrates the confidence Government has in Bradford to deliver and shows we’re building real momentum for our regeneration programme, which will drive economic growth across the district.
“The funding will allow the scheme to continue moving forwards to deliver high-quality affordable homes on brownfield sites, providing the next generation of Bradfordians with the chance to live in a modern city offering a host of amenities including Darley St Market, Bradford Live and One City Park.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This investment is a major vote of confidence in Bradford. Government backing for these council-led plans will mean we can build the vibrant, well-connected communities the city deserves, with more high quality affordable homes.
“Bradford’s inspiring rise to become one of the UK’s most important economic centres demonstrates the power of strong local and national leadership, working in partnership with local communities and local businesses to create jobs and growth. Together, we’ll build a stronger Bradford and a stronger, brighter Britain.”
