Plans to reopen part of the lower concourse at Bradford Interchange and create a new public space have been submitted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The works are part of a commitment from the Combined Authority to invest in the broader Bradford Interchange site to support rail passengers while a longer-term solution for the bus station is found.
In-depth surveys which will help determine the extent of the structural issues at the bus station are still ongoing. An update report will be brought to the Combined Authority in late September.
The exterior plaza at the Interchange entrance will be significantly improved, with new paving, planting, public art and seating in place of the taxi rank.
The existing toilets will also be reopened and the charging barriers removed, making the facilities free of charge.
The taxi rank and drop-off bays will move to Bridge Street as part of the previously agreed wider improvements being made to the city centre.
Passenger access to the rail station will be upgraded, including opening up the escalator and a lift, as well as providing a refreshed waiting area and visual improvements to the space.
The project draws on some of the £22 million of funding that was previously set aside for improvements to the Interchange prior to it being closed for safety reasons in January.
The Combined Authority’s planning application will be considered by a Bradford Council planning committee in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere in the city centre, Bradford Council is continuing to transform the former NCP car park area, Hall Ings and Norfolk Gardens into a new public space.
The existing trees to the rear of the former car park will be retained and the area which was once a concrete carpark will be planted with a mix of trees, shrubs, grasses and perennial planting.
The new green area will also have bee and invertebrate habitat as well as bird boxes. New benches will be installed, and elements of play will be incorporated with a stepping stones area and balancing log.
The council will also be making improvements to the Bridge Street ramp at the side of the interchange to access the rail station, including new surfacing, handrails and lighting, as well as incorporating new mural painting to create a more inviting entrance to the city centre.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Bradford’s residents, passengers and visitors deserve a fitting gateway to the city.
“We know the closure of the Interchange has presented real challenges, but these works will help create a welcoming and attractive entry point for people visiting the city centre.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The closure of the bus station at the Interchange has presented a lot of challenges to our planned works in the area, but we’ve worked closely with the Combined Authority on these plans, which will greatly improve the railway station of the Interchange as a gateway to the city.
“We want to get this done as soon as possible so that those using the rail station and the buses on Bridge Street have access to toilets and also more pleasant area to wait.”
