Bradford city centre is showing signs of a long-awaited revival, as new data reveals a 25% surge in footfall during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The figures, released by the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), suggest a positive shift in public engagement with the city centre following a challenging 2024 marked by disruption from infrastructure works and the sudden closure of Bradford Interchange.
The BID, which represents nearly 600 businesses, has been monitoring key indicators such as footfall and dwell time—how long people stay in the area. The latest data reflects not just an increase in visits but a gradual rise in how long people are choosing to spend in the city.
Much of this resurgence is being credited to the £48 million Transforming Cities Fund investment, which has reimagined key public spaces. The project has prioritised walkability and greenery, removing traffic-heavy areas and introducing seating, planters, trees and grassed zones designed to encourage people to linger longer.
Jonny Noble, Chief Executive of Bradford BID, welcomed the shift.
“There’s no doubt 2024 was tough for city centre businesses, with roadworks and the unexpected Interchange closure dealing a heavy blow. But we’re now starting to see the green shoots of recovery,” he said.
“We know regenerating a city centre doesn’t happen overnight. But with a packed year of events led by ourselves, the City of Culture team, and the council, we’re feeling cautiously optimistic about the future.”
The improvement isn’t just reflected in the data. Local traders are seeing the difference too.
Terence Igbokwe, manager at independent coffee shop Lefteris, said footfall is noticeably higher than this time last year.
“Customers keep telling us how much better the city centre looks and feels. There’s a real change in atmosphere—we’d definitely encourage people to come and see the transformation for themselves.”
The momentum is expected to build further. The long-awaited opening of Bradford Live this autumn, alongside the launch of the new Darley Street Market this summer, is set to inject fresh life into the city’s leisure and retail offer—just in time for Bradford’s spotlight year as the UK City of Culture 2025.
Preliminary second-quarter figures also suggest the upward trend is continuing. Footfall during the recent Super Soapbox Challenge weekend was up 46% compared to a similar weekend in 2024.
Noble added: “Bradford already has a fantastic mix of independent businesses and cultural venues. With our City of Culture year now underway, we have an opportunity to reposition our city on the national stage. The early signs show that people are ready to rediscover Bradford—and we’re ready to welcome them.”
