It is hoped that the fortunes of a city centre street could finally be turning around after years of neglect.
Rawson Place is home to a row of grand Victorian buildings, a pedestrianised square and more modern shopping units.
But in recent years the area has been plagued by empty units, some of which were in a poor state of repair, to the point where Bradford Civic Society referred to it as the city centre’s “most at risk street.”
Although the area has been home to one of Bradford’s most popular cafes, Smorgasboard, much of the street has been neglected in recent years, and was becoming known more for its derelict buildings than its listed Victorian Architecture.
The closure of a nearby B&M store, followed by the collapse of shopping chain Wilko, made matters even worse.
But recently there have been signs the street might be turning its fortunes around.
Work has started on the refurbishment of two listed units on the street, and the past few months have seen several new businesses open on Rawson Place.
The Bradford Dementia Hub has opened in one of the heritage units, with John J Cafeteria and a new barber’s shop opening in others.
Dessert shop Choco Me opened earlier this year, and popular market food stall Kebab Corner is due to open soon in the former Rawson Hotel, at the top of the street.
Plans to refurbish the vacant 8 Rawson Place – considered one of the city’s ugliest shopfronts, by retaining a ground floor business use and turning the upper floors into flats, was approved by Bradford Council in 2023 and work is now well underway.
And earlier this year plans to refurbish the ground floor shop unit at vacant 6 Rawson Place and turn the upper floors into flats were approved.
Rawson Place is one area of the city that was targeted by the Townscape Heritage Scheme – a lottery funded Bradford Council scheme where building owners can apply for financial support to bring buildings back to their original splendour.
Sir Cunningham, Chair of Bradford Civic Society, said: “It’s really encouraging to see a bit more activity on Rawson Place, which is quite a handsome street if you take a moment to properly look at it.
“The Council’s Townscape Heritage Scheme has helped breathe life into some of the more dilapidated buildings, and the nearby public realm improvements have helped too. Compared to how it looked ten years ago, it’s certainly a vast improvement.
“I wish the new businesses every success.”
