Photos of Bradford city centre plans ahead of roadworks

Bradford Council is spending £43.5 million of Government funding to upgrade the look and feel of the city centre.

The scheme includes the demolition of the NCP car park, a new entrance at Bradford Interchange, and European inspired pedestrianised areas and green spaces.

It is hoped the works will be completed ahead of Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations.

Here's a visual guide to the various locations and plans for the city centre scheme.

An artist's impression of the new Bradford Interchange walkway into the city centre (Image: Bradford Council)

Bradford Interchange and NCP car park

The NCP car park is going to be demolished to create a more attractive, accessible space between Hall Ings and Bradford Interchange's new entrance. 

The NCP car park will be flattened for the new entrance, leading to a pedestrianised Hall Ings and extended Norfolk Gardens park.

Drag the sliding tool to see before and after style photos for different parts of the scheme.

• Read more: How the NCP car park in Bradford city centre will be demolished

The Interchange work will be funded by over £16m from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Other changes to the station include relocating the taxi rank to Bridge Street to allow the front of the station to be pedestrianised, improved waiting areas, new baby changing facilities, multi-faith room and ‘Changing Places’ facilities, a new entrance to the underground car park and a new cycle hub nearby.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be sprucing up the interior of Bradford Interchange as part of the plan.

It is hoped the changes will create an improved and more attractive sense of arrival while modernising the station’s 60s design.

Little Horton Lane

Little Horton Lane will be closed to traffic at its junction with Prince’s Way to extend the green space by the war memorial and create a ‘pocket park’.

Two new “supercrossings” will be installed between City Park and the Alhambra Theatre, making it easier for pedestrians to cross Prince’s Way.

One of the key changes will see Little Horton Lane closed to traffic from Prince’s Way and Godwin Street.

Jacob’s Well roundabout 

Jacob’s Well roundabout will be replaced by a “super crossing”.

The subway will be filled with materials from the soon-to-be demolished NCP car park.

Well Street

A “quiet” section of the city centre will be turned into the city's public transport corridor.

Well Street separates the Broadway Shopping Centre from historic Little Germany, and is currently pedestrianised.

Eight “bus hubs" – including a shelter, seating, information boards and ticket machines, will be installed throughout the city centre.

These will be based at Forster Square Railway Station, Rawson Square, Goitside, City Park/Entertainment Quarter, Market Street, Bradford Cathedral, Little Germany/Broadway and Bradford Interchange.

A new circular bus route that will transport people around the city centre will be introduced, and take in all of these eight bus hubs.

As well as this new route for buses, there will be improved junctions, highways and cycle routes.

Pedestrianisation plans

Sunbridge Road, Bridge Street, Hall Ings (between Jacob’s Well roundabout to Bridge Street), Broadway and Market Street will be closed to traffic to create new public spaces that encourage walking and provide improved cycling routes.

Norfolk Gardens is going to be expanded to create a major new green space on Hall Ings, between Jacob’s Well roundabout and Bridge Street.

Inspired by European cities, the design plan includes a series of stunning public spaces, pedestrianisation, and greenery.

It will mean a reduction in the number of buses forced to snake through the city centre's narrow roads, such as Market Street.

There will be a focus on safety for pedestrians, reducing traffic and creating a calm, inviting environment for visitors.

People can expect more places for events and meeting loved ones.

Market Street and Broadway will be closed to traffic, as will Sunbridge Road at the junction with Tyrell Street.

A turning circle is set to be created at the bottom of the city street.

A “cyclops junction” designed with the safety of cyclists in mind, will be created at the junction of Hall Ings, Well Street and Vicar Lane.

What it means for traffic 

The scale of the regeneration works are expected to cause significant delays and disruption for journeys to and from Bradford city centre.

Bradford Council is warning of 18 months of potential disruption, particularly at peak times.

Proposed plan for Bridge Street (Image: Bradford Council)

Here’s what you can expect after the road closures and improvement works in the run up to 2025.

Stephen Semple, Area Director at Balfour Beatty, the construction partner on the project, said: “We are excited to commence on transforming Bradford city centre, turning Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s vision into reality.

"Once complete, the scheme will leave a lasting, positive legacy for local communities and residents alike; providing additional green public spaces and new active travel routes which will significantly reduce air pollution in the city centre.”