Work to transform the core of Bradford city centre into a safer, more accessible and enjoyable space to spend time is progressing well, with many areas approaching completion.
Bradford Council has been working at speed with construction partner Balfour Beatty on the scheme. The work to change road layouts and transform the city scape including the hard landscaping elements and pedestrianisation is coming to an end in many places.
Over the last fifteen months, Bradford’s city centre has undergone a major transformation to enhance pedestrian access, public transport, and cycling routes.
Key improvements include the creation of a modern ‘Sparrow Crossing’ (a crossing that keeps pedestrians and cyclists separate) at Jacobs Well, the redesign of road and pavement layouts across Westgate, Godwin Street, and Sunbridge Road, and the pedestrianisation of key areas like Hall Ings, Broadway, Bank Street, Bridge Street and Market Street.
New cycle lanes, 18 bus shelters, and an expanded green space are also part of the upgrades. These changes aim to revitalise the area, improve traffic flow, and create a more accessible, sustainable city centre for all.
Ongoing work is being undertaken in readiness for the addition of trees and other greenery. This includes the introduction of a ‘meeting circle’ on Hall Ings by St George’s Hall, which is formed by two large crescent shaped planters. Soft landscaping throughout the scheme has begun, with turf going down on Broadway, and trees being planted along Market Street.
The next phase of works will see the further injection of greenery with more trees and shrubs being planted in the raised planters, roadside beds and within root cells which have been installed, improving the biodiversity of the city centre.
Trees on Market Street include deciduous Amelanchier Lamarkii growing to between 2.5 and 4m. They provide year-round interest, with white flowers throughout spring and leaves which open coppery-red, changing to a soft green in summer and red, orange, and yellow in autumn.
Other trees on Market Street include evergreen Osmanthus Burkwoodii. Surrounding these will be a mix of small evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs as well as flowering perennials.
This major civil infrastructure project is being delivered through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund, which is a capital grant transport fund, provided by the Department for Transport.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s great to see the progress being made. The transformation is really starting to take shape.
“I’d like to thank people for their continued patience while the works take place. I know our contractors are working as quickly as they can to complete sections and get them open to pedestrians and now that the greenery is being added people should be able to start to get a feel for what it will be like once it’s completed.
“We know that the scale of the construction work has cause disruption, but the end result will be worth it and will benefit us and future generation for many years to come.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “I’m pleased to see the progress on this transformative scheme for Bradford city centre, which will make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel.
“It will also reduce traffic and improve public transport – helping towards our goal of being a net zero carbon region by 2038.
“While there has been some disruption, these changes will bring huge benefits as we continue to build a greener, better-connected region that works for all.”
Scott Donson, Balfour Beatty Portfolio Director, said: “We are incredibly pleased with the progress our teams are making to transform the heart of Bradford into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.
“By incorporating greenery and beautifully designed spaces, we are not only reducing traffic and creating more sustainable transport routes, but also building a healthier and greener future for the city.”
For more information about the changes taking place in Bradford city centre visit www.future-bradford.co.uk
