WORK marking the start of the next phase of a major project to transform Bradford city centre will begin tomorrow. 

From Monday, Hall Ings will be partially closed to vehicle traffic.

This is to allow for accelerated works to begin that will eventually see the majority of Hall Ings become part of an expanded Norfolk Gardens, creating a new pedestrianised public space.

"The closure will facilitate an early start to some enabling works and allow for the section of Hall Ings between Bridge Street and Jacobs Well to be reserved for construction traffic, and for buses only," says Bradford Council.

"This is crucial to reduce vehicle traffic in the vicinity and ensure public safety during the major construction works to come, including the demolition of the former NCP car park."

What does the closure mean for traffic? 

  • The closure will prevent westbound general traffic travelling from Drake Street to Jacobs Well.
  • Eastbound traffic will still be able to use Hall Ings temporarily, ahead of the planned full closure of Hall Ings to all vehicles to create the space for the expanded Norfolk Gardens. This work is due to be completed by the end of this year.  

  • Eastbound Traffic from Jacobs Well to Shipley Airedale Road will remain unaffected until spring 2024 (Purple Line on map)

  • Access will be maintained from Shipley Airedale Road into Little Germany, the Leisure Exchange area and The Broadway Shopping Centre car park at all times. (Green Line on map)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

  • Bank Street and Broadway will be open to buses, taxis, and local resident and business access only. (Orange Line on map)

  • Drake Street will be open to buses, taxis and local access in one direction only from Hall Ings to the Law Courts access road. (Brown Line on map)

  • Hall Ings, between Bridge Street and Jacobs Well will be open to buses and construction traffic only – this will be camera enforced. (Red Line on map)

  • Westbound through traffic that would normally have used Hall Ings will move to its new permanent route via Shipley Airedale Road, Croft Street and on to Manchester Road/Princes Way.

Most substantial phase of work to begin in spring 

"The latest works on Hall Ings start as the work to improve junctions and crossings on roads, and to create a new public transport loop to improve bus service reliability around the periphery of the city centre heart is nearing completion," says Bradford Council.

"The bulk of work on the second, most substantial phase of work - to pedestrianise some city centre streets, create new, green landscaped public spaces, and make it easier to walk, cycle and use a wheelchair around the city centre – is due to begin in the spring.

"At this time, most of the bus routes using the city centre will change routing to use the new public transport loop.

"These initial works on the westbound carriageway of Hall Ings are being brought forward ahead of the rest of the core works to enable the overall city centre project to keep to its schedule of being largely complete, ready for the start to 2025 and the beginning of Bradford district’s year as UK City of Culture.

How is the work being funded?

Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) are working in partnership on the £43 million scheme.

Is is being delivered through the WYCA's Transforming Cities Fund programme.

"The work is aimed at making it easier, safer and more pleasant for people to walk, cycle in the city centre," says Bradford Council. 

"This is a capital grant transport fund, provided by the Department for Transport and cannot be used for other purposes, such as delivering day-to-day services or other projects."

'The end result will be worth it' 

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning and transport said: “Work on the transformation of the city centre, creating new open traffic-free spaces making it safer, easier and more pleasant for people to get around and between the shopping and entertainment areas is progressing well.

“While the scale of construction works means that delays to journeys through the city centre are inevitable, particularly at peak times, the end result will be worth it and will benefit us and future generations for many years to come. 

"I’d like to thank people for their patience while this work takes place.”