A pedestrian's view of Bradford city centre roadworks

Having noticed comments from many readers saying they haven't been into the city for a while due to the roadworks, I wanted to provide a glimpse of the changing scene as work to pedestrianise some of the centre’s busiest roads continues.

With Bradford Interchange being closed, many visits to Bradford start at the former Jacobs Well car park off Nelson Street - which is being used as a temporary bus lay-over point - so that's where I decided to begin.

Here, I found several officials directing slightly puzzled-looking passengers to the correct bus.

At the end of Nelson Street as you approach Hall Ings, the full force of the city centre roadworks greets you.

A footpath closure on Nelson Street (Image: .)

The footpath on the Jacobs Well side of the road is blocked off, so pedestrians are forced to cross Nelson Street towards Play Bingo in order to continue in the direction of City Hall.

A fine array of traffic cones dominate the view as you arrive at Hall Ings, with major work taking place along that stretch. From Monday, Hall Ings will be partially closed to vehicle traffic to allow for accelerated works to begin that will eventually see the majority of the road become part of an expanded Norfolk Gardens, creating a new city centre park.

A majestic line-up of traffic cones near the junction of Nelson Street and Hall Ings (Image: T&A)

I'd planned to walk along Hall Ings toward St George's Hall, but quickly realised that wouldn't be possible without crossing the road, as the area in front of the former NCP car park has a huge blue barrier across it while prep works for its demolition take place, with the road also down to one lane.

The demolition of the former NCP car park will help to create a new entrance to Bradford Interchange. Demolition work will begin on the NCP once the road closure is in place.

The NCP currently looks like a real eyesore, partly stripped out and ready to be razed to the ground. A symbol of the motor car, perhaps its demolition is a metaphor for Bradford's move towards other forms of transport.

The blocked pavement on Hall Ings near the former NCP car park (Image: T&A)

After crossing Hall Ings towards City Hall, I headed left up towards Jacobs Well, where a vast amount of work was underway. If you like dumper trucks, heavy machinery and workers in hard hats, this is paradise. For people who like a peaceful stroll through the city centre, it's noisy and unpleasant.

But it's important to remember the bigger picture - this is short-term pain for long-term gain. Bradford is changing in front of our very eyes and will be a very different-looking place in a year or two.

The reconfiguration of the road means the physical structure that was once Jacobs Well roundabout is no more, by and large. So often a reference point for Bradford motorists down the years, it seemed strange to see it in its current forlorn state.

The Jacobs Well roundabout is a shadow of its former self (Image: T&A)

Soon, with the Alhambra and Odeon to my left, I happened across the now-completed One City Park office development - home to PWC. How splendid to have a company with a national profile right in the heart of Bradford. 

Princes Way is also being dug up near the Odeon, with a reduced lane set-up for motorists to be aware of.

The works to Princes Way near the Odeon (Image: T&A)

I then strolled across City Park and into Centenary Square and was thankful to leave behind the din of the roadworks. Here, families on half-term were enjoying the fountains.

It wasn't as busy as I'd seen it before - perhaps due to the difficulties getting into the city centre - but there was still a decent buzz.

The chippy on the corner of Sunbridge Road looked nice and busy, as did eating spots and cafes on Broadway, suggesting that people are still supporting city centre businesses despite the current upheaval.

The works at the junction of Hall Ings, Vicra Lane and Well Street are significant (Image: T&A)

Heading along Hall Ings towards Little Germany, I reached the somewhat confusing set up at the junction with Well Street and Vicar Lane, where a myriad of new road systems are being put in place. It was near here where I saw family crossing one of the roads having to jump back to avoid being run over. If you're planning to walk through the city centre, just remember to keep your wits about you.

Well Street, a road that sits between The Broadway shopping centre and Little Germany, is in the process of being changed from a pedestrian street to a new bus route. If you haven't walked along it for a while, take a look - the changes are quite striking.

Well Street has taken on a very different look (Image: T&A)

Next, I took a walk up towards Kirkgate, which was pleasantly busy - although you can't help but notice the empty units and charity shops on what was once Bradford's main shopping thoroughfare.

Heading up Darley Street, you find the impressive sight of the brand-new indoor market that's being constructed. From the outside, it looks pretty much complete, really enhancing the streetscape.

The main takeaways from this trip? If you're interested in seeing the transformation of a city taking place, head into Bradford and take a look for yourself. Support the businesses while you're there, and hopefully, they'll still be there when all this work is completed.

There is certainly disruption at present, but Bradford city centre is still open for business, with plenty of areas - such as Centenary Square, The Broadway or the Cathedral grounds - where you can escape the roadworks.

At present, the city centre feels a bit frantic, but fascinating at the same time!