'It looks bizarre' - central chunk of Bradford's old NCP demolished

One passer-by joked that it "looks like a giant squirrel has taken a big bite out of the middle of the building."

He added: "Good news, Hall Ings now has two NCP car parks, because the old on is in half! It looks bizarre."

Water being sprayed on the NCP as demolition continues (Image: T&A)

The former multi-storey car park is being demolished as part of the ongoing city centre walking and cycling improvements, which have proved controversial due to the level of disruption caused.

A spokesperson for the project said: "Large machines are currently working their way through the lower levels of the structure as part of the next stage of the demolition process.

"Water is being sprayed as the machines demolish the remaining levels to help prevent the spread of dust.

"The works to demolish the former NCP car park will create a new green space, linking to Hall Ings and Norfolk Gardens."

More of the car park has disappeared (Image: T&A)

Meanwhile, further progress has been made on works to pedestrianise key areas in the city centre.

The spokesperson said: "The works are becoming more visible as new paving continues to be installed. New bus shelters are appearing around the city centre, as well as new bollards in the pedestrianised areas.

"Parts of the safety fencing on Market Street will be relocated over the coming days to increase the footway space for pedestrians as the paving work progresses."

Clockwise from top left: New paving and bollards installed in front of Bradford Live; new paving installed on Market Street where considerable progress has been made; new planters being installed on Hall Ings; new bus shelter installed on Godwin Street (Image: T&A)

In Vicar Lane, works to remove the storm-damaged section of the road surface is complete and there will be some overnight works this week to finish laying the new surfacing. 

Overnight works started last week at Sunbridge Road, Godwin Street and Prince's Way. The works involve resurfacing and painting road markings and are scheduled to be completed on Monday, July 1.

"Where possible, noise is being kept to a minimum and works are being carried out between 8pm and 5am," added the spokesperson.

Temporary pedestrian crossings have been opened up across the city centre in places where works are happening.

Project bosses added that. after construction has finished, there will be more Blue Badge parking bays and a similar number of taxi rank spaces in the city centre than there was before construction began.