WORK to transform Bradford’s Top of Town will begin next month, and is expected to last until the New Year.

The £2m scheme will include the creation of a new pocket park, more tree planting and measures that will allow North Parade to become traffic free on a temporary basis.

Work will take place on North Parade, Rawson Square and Northgate, with the pocket park being created in the area known as Oastler Square.

It is the first of many changes likely to be taking place in the top of town area in the coming years.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering was awarded the £2m contract for the work in June.

Natural stone paving will be laid to enhance the character of the historic buildings in this part of the city – which is a Conservation area.

The pavements will be widened to create more space for pedestrians, although parking will still be allowed on North Parade.

Statue to remain in place as part of major refurbishment of Bradford's top of town

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Semi-mature street trees will be planted making the area more leafy and attractive whilst creating biodiverse urban habitats for birds and animals.

“A network of rain gardens – areas of planting designed to temporarily soak up rain water will be created to reduce pressure on storm water drains and reduce flood risk.

“The area around the statue of Richard Oastler in Oastler Square will be turned into a beautiful green little pocket park.”

There will be new cycle storage facilities and new collapsible bollards to allow temporary pedestalisation of North Parade for events such as the annual North Parade street party.

In the coming years this area of Bradford will be part of a planned “city village.”

Once the new Darley Street Market opens Bradford Council plans to flatten Oastler Market. The site will then become a new residential area.

Funding for the Top of Town improvements was secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Bradford City Centre Townscape Heritage Scheme, and from the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme which is administered by the European Regional Development Fund.

The improvements will begin on August 8 and continue in phases though to the New Year.

Designs for the scheme have been developed through several rounds of public consultation.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for the Department of Place said: “North Parade has become a vital part of the city centre over the last ten years. It has evolved to become a significant part of our evening economy with a growing number of bars, eateries and entertainment venues and now the street needs this investment to help it develop further.

“These improvements will enhance and complement the beautiful historic architecture, make the area more pedestrian friendly and add green elements to reduce flood risk and help tackle climate change.

“It will also create a fantastic environment within which residents and businesses can flourish and showcases our approach to regeneration ahead of even bigger changes to come with the wider City Village programme.”