WORK to bring some of Bradford’s historic, vacant buildings back into use is being developed thanks to a grant from Historic England.

And it could also see City Hall opened up to the public more than it is currently.

The £50,000 will be used to explore creating “Heritage Action Zones” (HAZ) in the city – areas that will prioritise making the most of underused heritage buildings.

Areas being considered include around City Hall, Hustlergate, Kirkgate and Market Street.

The Market Street zone could be particularly significant, as much of the street is soon to be pedestrianised.

If the Heritage Action Zones are adopted, grants could be provided to property owners to bring back into use empty and underused floorspace in some of the city’s ‘at risk’ heritage buildings.

There have previously been calls for such Heritage Action Zones in areas such as Little Germany and Goitside.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Many city centre heritage buildings, including the upper floors of the former Brown Muff store, are emptyMany city centre heritage buildings, including the upper floors of the former Brown Muff store, are empty (Image: newsquest)

Work will involve collecting data, analysis and consultation over how best to financially support property owners, developers and investors to make use of vacant or underused floorspace in the city’s heritage buildings. 

Proposals for a HAZ in Bradford city centre will also explore how cultural events can be used to increase understanding of local heritage, raise awareness of buildings potentially at risk and to look at possible uses for buildings driven by the current market. 

The work will be complemented by proposals to increase public access to City Hall, so more people can see the landmark building for themselves, along with the extensive historic artefacts on display. 

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport said: “This is an exciting opportunity to find new and sustainable uses for our historic buildings, as well as potentially enabling improved access to City Hall, our core civic building, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.”

“The amount of quality heritage buildings here in Bradford is breathtaking. We are looking to the future, with City of Culture 2025 approaching, plus the massive programme of regeneration that will take place in the city, but this is always in harmony with our history”.

Richard Butterfield, Historic England’s partnerships team leader, added: "Bradford City Centre Conservation Area has an impressive array of grand Victorian buildings and a historic street pattern which goes back to the middle ages.

“This project development funding will enable the heritage to be better understood and inform plans to unlock its potential. We are delighted to be taking this initiative forward with Bradford Council and the City of Culture team."

The Council will complete the work to develop a detailed proposal for the HAZ by February 2024.