Bradford’s city village regeneration scheme finally steps up as it has officially appointed Incommunities as a delivery partner. The work is set to begin later this summer
The appointment of the Bradford-based housing association, which had long been identified as the preferred partner for the first phase of the project, also unlocks key government funding needed to move the scheme forward.
Bradford Council’s Reform administration described the agreement as a “landmark moment” for one of the city’s largest regeneration projects. City Village is planned across three city centre sites – the Kirkgate Centre, the former Oastler Market site and land behind Westgate currently used as car parks.
When complete, the development is expected to deliver around 1,000 homes, new parks and green spaces, alongside commercial units including shops, cafés and offices. The neighbourhood is expected to accommodate around 2,500 residents.
The first phase of the scheme, which received planning permission earlier this year, will see 97 homes built on land near Chain Street and the northern section of the Oastler site, currently occupied by a multi-storey car park. Those homes will be a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership properties, all of which will be owned and managed by Incommunities.
Bradford Council said the legal agreement enables funding already secured through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund to be released, allowing demolition and enabling works to begin within weeks. The wider project has already secured £13.2 million of in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and a further £30 million from Homes England.
Cllr Andrew Judson, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Regeneration and Planning, said: “This is a landmark moment in the delivery of what will be a transformative development for Bradford. The plans are progressing and this is a milestone as they become reality. The scheme is set to be game-changing for the city centre and when the homes are built and green, public spaces created, they will create a thriving neighbourhood with opportunities for leisure and business.”
“Incommunities has a strong connection to Bradford and we will continue to work together to deliver real change for the future.”
The council has also confirmed that Wakefield-based contractor Metropolitan Demolition has been appointed to clear the former Oastler Shopping Centre site.
The demolition programme is expected to take eight months and will remove the former market building along with surrounding structures to prepare the area for redevelopment.
According to the latest timetable, demolition of the Oastler Centre is expected to begin in late 2027, while demolition of the Kirkgate Centre is due to start in early 2027 following a six-month programme of internal strip-out works.
Construction enabling works for the first homes are expected to begin in winter 2027, with completion scheduled for summer 2029.
Rachael Dennis, Chief Executive of Incommunities, said: “This is an important milestone for City Village, and a major step forward in bringing this ambitious regeneration to life. As Bradford’s largest housing association, we’re proud to be playing a key role in delivering this first phase of homes, with our investment helping to bring forward a new city centre neighbourhood made up of high-quality homes that are truly affordable for local people and families.”
“Projects like this play a vital role in creating a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable future for Bradford.”
James Dinsley, Development Manager for Yorkshire and the North East at ECF, said: “This is a hugely ambitious and complex city centre neighbourhood, and the fact that momentum is continuing at such pace is a testament to the shared drive of the partners involved.
“Having Incommunities fund, own and manage all of the townhouses being delivered in Phase 1 ensures long-term stewardship and provides future residents with the reassurance of a professionally managed and maintained home.”
Future phases of City Village are expected to deliver more than 300 apartments on the southern half of the Oastler site and around 400 apartments on the Kirkgate Centre site.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “This is a fantastic step in the right direction, to build the homes our communities need and breathe new life into the places we’re proud to call home. With a thousand new homes planned for the city centre – alongside vibrant green spaces, modern transport links and thriving new high streets – City Village will transform the local area and help to turbocharge our regional economy.”
