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.
Yesterday (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, hospitality sites and office space to open.
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 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 Village 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 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 agreed 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.
