Plans to revamp Bradford's transport network are 'once in a generation' opportunity

SENIOR figures at Bradford Council have described early plans to revamp the city’s transport network as a “once in a generation” opportunity.

Plans have been released for a massive £80m scheme, which is set to include traffic being diverted away from Sunbridge Road, Bridge Street, Market Street and Hall Ings to create “high quality public spaces” – the latter expected to host an expanded green space from Norfolk Gardens.

Visualisation of proposed pedstrianised space on Market Street

The blueprints, which go out to public consultation today, also include a western extension to the cycle superhighway and seven new bus hubs.

A new entrance to Bradford Interchange would also be created – which would include the demolition of the council-owned NCP car park in Hall Ings – while a new park and ride facility would also be created in South Bradford.

Visualisation of proposed public transport corridor on Well Street, Little Germany

Bradford Council’s principal engineer Darren Badrock said: “We are very much interested in people’s views on this.  They are ambitious – I would even go so far as to say they are once in a generation in terms of transforming a city centre.

“We are key to engage with as many people as we can to get viewpoints on how we are doing and how we are likely to address, and it will be interesting to see people’s reactions to it.”

Councillor Alex Ross Shaw. Bradford Council’s portfolio-holder for transport, added: “We are really excited to be going out to consult on the project. It is really important.

“We know cities and towns are changing and the pandemic is accelerating that process. We need to reinvent and refresh urban spaces for the future, and this is a really big step forward.

“We have been doing a lot of this work already in Bradford, creating Darley Street Market, investing in leisure with Bradford Live and the work space in One City Park, you can see that move away from traditional retail or office space, into what we feel will set Bradford up for the future.

“This will help make the city centre cleaner, greener more pleasant place to be in.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said the programme would be "essential" in reducing car use and congestion across the city, as well as improving the health of residents and helping to achieve the aim of becoming "the UK’s leading clean growth district".

“Bradford is a district with a young and diverse demographic and a lot of potential," she said.

"The schemes being brought forward will ensure we make the most of what Bradford has to offer, stimulating regeneration across the district and attracting further investment.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin added: "“In my manifesto, I committed to improving public transport and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.

“Transformational schemes such as these being proposed in Bradford, combined with our efforts to improve public transport across West Yorkshire, will provide more people with more opportunity to choose to travel sustainably, whilst improving the civic landscape for all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone to take part in this important consultation.”

According to the plans, the front of Bradford Interchange would be completely pedestrianised, with the taxi rank and car park moved to the back of the station. The council has also secured back the lease for the car park for which it also owns the freehold, allowing for it to be demolished and replaced with a wider pedestrian access.

Council papers added: “The scheme is being brought forward to create a more inspiring welcome to visitors by creating a new approach to the interchange.

“(It will also) improve access to bus and rail services and key development areas in the city, such as the Entertainment Quarter and One City Park.”

The cycle superhighway – which currently runs between Bradford and Leeds – will be extended to Thornton Village, with spurs out to Bradford Royal infirmary and Queensbury.

The document added: “The Thornton Road cycle route would connect with routes to Shipley, Leeds and South Bradford.

“Cyclist priority would be implemented at some major junctions to enable quick and safer passage between the city centre and Thornton.

“In order to support introduction of the largely segregated cycleway, some movements from side roads along Thornton Road may need to be restricted.”

The South Bradford Park and Ride and Expressway is also part of the plans, which council officers hope will help alleviate traffic coming in and out of the city centre during commuter times.

This includes a dedicated two-way segregated bus lane along Manchester Road, with “bus hubs” every 400 metres.

The park and ride centre itself would be located next door to Odsal stadium, with a terminal building, waiting amenities and 500 parking spaces. A new segregated cycleway would also be built along Manchester Road.

The Transforming Cities Fund ws created by the Department of Transport to help boost regional economies and transport network. The Leeds City Region has been given a £317m slice of the total funding, for which Bradford is receiving £80m.

Bradford Council added: “The public consultation for these proposals will take place across the summer and once feedback from this consultation has been reviewed and detailed plans have been produced, there will be a further consultation period before any implementation of schemes.”

Consultation starts today and finishes on September 8.

To share your views and for more information, visit www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/bradfordtcf.