Bradford Council is seeking an operating partner to manage its new food hall as part of the multi-million pound Darley Street Market scheme in Bradford city centre which is currently under construction.
The multi-level market and food hall, as well as an outdoor square for concerts and events, will occupy a prominent and large site on Darley Street and is part of the ongoing cultural and physical regeneration of Bradford city centre, complementing what’s on offer across the district and enhancing Bradford’s destination status as the host city for UK City of Culture 2025.
Located on the upper level of the market, the food hall will have a wide variety of dine-in and takeaway food from local street and restaurant traders. There will be 11 high quality food kiosks offering a selection of world foods, two bars, a stage for day and night time entertainment along with seating for around 500 customers both indoors and on the external balcony area overlooking the market square and large outdoor screen.
Bradford Council’s foodservice consultancy Coverpoint are now inviting potential operators to formally tender for managing and operating the hot food and beverage floor in Darley Street Market. The operator must have the vision and passion for food and foodservice and be able to attract an engaging and thriving community ready to experience the wide range of hot foods that the new market will offer.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “The new Darley Street Market will help to transform the evening economy in this part of the city centre and will provide another area for community activity and events. The new food hall in the market will be an amazing destination that will fly the flag for a fresh, innovative and more sustainable approach to the food and beverage sector in the city centre.”
Coverpoint director Richard Moulds said: “The operator will have the expertise to manage the food hall and work with local independent operators to run the kiosks. They will also have the passion and vision to create a vibrant and community-focused venue, that helps further secure Bradford’s place on the culinary map of Yorkshire and the UK.
“The operator could have a background in restaurants, breweries, street food collectives or even contract catering, or be a local business entrepreneur. The most important consideration is the cultural fit and the sense of community spirit.”
