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.
