A bold and ambitious new public sculpture is being installed in the heart of Bradford city centre, ready to make its mark as a powerful new symbol of the district’s cultural identity. Tower of Now, created by internationally acclaimed artist Saad Qureshi, will be officially unveiled this Saturday, 26 April, as part of Bradford’s landmark year as UK City of Culture 2025.
Standing at a commanding 15 metres tall—higher than three double-decker buses—the sculpture is being erected on the site of the former NCP car park at Hall Ings, which has now been transformed into a new “parklet” public space. Delivered in sections and assembled on site over recent days, the piece will remain in place for the next year, offering a striking addition to Bradford’s skyline and a celebration of its past, present and future.
Commissioned by Bradford 2025, Tower of Now reflects the city’s rich industrial legacy and layered cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from a tapestry of architectural styles—Gothic, Roman, Flemish, and Chinese—and interweaving Judaeo-Christian, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist influences, Qureshi’s design is emblematic of the diverse histories that continue to shape life in Bradford today. Raised in the city after moving from Pakistan at the age of eight, Qureshi credits Bradford’s diversity with deeply influencing his creative practice.
The artist, whose previous works include a permanent memorial at Royal London Hospital and major commissions for institutions such as Oxford Brookes University and LandSec, describes Tower of Now as his most ambitious work to date. Incorporating his signature intricate woodwork on a monumental scale, the sculpture invites reflection on memory, belonging and the influence of our physical surroundings on our sense of self.
For Qureshi, the piece is a personal tribute to the city that shaped him—a nod to the architecture of mill owners who once returned from their travels with exotic styles and
designs, and a recognition of the industries that brought people from Europe, Asia and beyond to Bradford. In his words, it is “a community defined by diversity” that inspired this towering monument to shared identity and cross-cultural exchange.
As part of Saturday’s launch celebrations, Bradford Central Library will host a free collage workshop from 11am to 3pm, encouraging residents to explore their own creative voices. Simultaneously, the National Science and Media Museum will run a playful “talking buildings” workshop where families can animate architectural characters and imagine the personalities hidden within Bradford’s built environment.
The unveiling coincides with the official opening of neighbouring Norfolk Gardens park, further transforming the city centre into a welcoming cultural destination as it prepares to shine on the national stage.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director for Bradford 2025, said the sculpture is “a true reflection of Bradford’s rich heritage and vibrant identity,” praising Qureshi’s work as “a tribute to the communities who live and work here today” and a beacon for the year of culture to come.
As Tower of Now takes its place among the city’s landmarks, it stands not just as a work of art, but as a monument to the people of Bradford—past, present and future.
