CALLS are being made to bring a historic statue of one of Bradford’s most iconic figures back to Bradford city centre to give it a prominent place in the district.

The statue of Sir Titus Salt, the philanthropist and businessman who created the model village of Saltaire and Salt’s Mill, currently sits “in exile” behind the Norman Arch in the north-east corner of Lister Park, Manningham

Members of Bradford Civic Society are now proposing to move the historic sculpture to Bradford city centre, where it can be displayed to the public in a prominent place.

The issue will be discussed at an upcoming Bradford Civic Society meeting being held later this month in the city centre.

Dr David Pendleton will speak at the meeting in an attempt to place the Salt statue in its architectural and historical context.

Si Cunningham, chair of Bradford Civic Society, said: “A few people have remarked on how such a grand and significant piece of Bradford’s heritage can feel a little bit lost in Lister Park.

"It’s a matter of record that it was built to mirror the gothic architecture of City Hall, where it once stood, so we’re keen to explore whether there’s an appetite to move it back into town as a new showpiece architectural feature for Bradford.

"The idea is being proposed by Dr David Pendleton of the Bradford Civic Society, and will be voted on my members at the meeting.

"At this early stage we’re still gauging public opinion and researching logistics, although we have had some preliminary discussions.

"If the statue were to be relocated, we’d hope it would be in a prominent position – possibly as part of the station gateways project, or in the vicinity of City Hall.

"We’d hope it could be incorporated into any wider public realm work to absorb the cost.

"It’s really important that our architecture and built environment is used in a way to celebrate the story of Bradford and create a strong civic identity.

"Salt’s statue is similar to the Albert memorials in Manchester and Hyde Park, which have become icons in their own right.

"With additional things like our blue plaques scheme, and also specific work to recognise famous Bradford women who are currently grossly under-represented, we hope to showcase more of the things Bradfordians should be really proud of.”

Sir Titus Salt, born in 1803, took over his father’s business aged 30, and expanded it to be the largest employer in Bradford. in 1848, he was made Mayor of Bradford.

Two years later his decided to build Salts Mill, which opened in 1853, and then built the model village of Saltaire around the mill.

Salt also served as a county Justice of the Peace, and as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant, head of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Chief Constable of Bradford, and as a Liberal MP, and died in 1876.

The village of Saltaire is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing in thousands of tourists from across the world every year.

The meeting will take place at the Bradford Mechanics’ Institute in Kirkgate in the city centre, from 7pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, November 13.

All are welcome to attend the event, including non-members, to learn more about the Titus Salt statue and its history.

Entry to the event is free, and refreshments will be provided.

To book a free place at the event, visit bit.ly/2EYCdyn.