Council: Darley Street Market 'ready to open in the Spring'

Last month, it was confirmed contractor Kier had completed the build phase on Darley Street Market, paving the way for the fit-out stage to start.

The highly-anticipated market will feature three storeys for stalls and food outlets, as well as a public events space.

With the opening date pushed back numerous times over the past couple of years, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, has now said the market will be up and running in Spring 2025.

It comes as "another piece of the jigsaw" was put in place with Bradford Council awarding the maintenance contract for the building to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) provider G&H Group.

Cllr Ross-Shaw was responding to frustrated Kirkgate market traders who are worried they will not be able to hold on at the declining market until that date.

They claimed Primark's move out of the shopping centre will be the "final nail in the coffin" for Kirkgate market.

Alyson Storey, who has run Sweet Success for the past 13 years, said: "The new market looks lovely. We have heard it will open April/May time. We are worried about holding on here.

The owner of Sweet Success (bottom right) in the Kirkgate market fears she won't be able to hold out until Darley Street Market opens (Image: Newsquest) "Eight months is a long time when footfall has been so low. We are still having to pay full rent too.

"We may have to pull down the shutters before then."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Footfall has been declining in our city centre markets for some time and we took the decision to invest in a new, state of the art market building closer to the retail centre of the city to secure the future of markets in the city centre for generations to come. 

“As we know, the Kirkgate Centre is outdated and has been in long term decline.
"We purchased the building so we could incorporate it as part of our ‘City Village’ vision for the Top of Town and demolish it so the area can be regenerated.

"The vision for the City Village project is driven by the need to reduce outdated retail stock and reshape this part of the city centre creating a revitalised new retail core as well as new public spaces, homes and streets."

He added: “Traders have been aware of our plans to close Kirkgate Market for over five years and were invited to apply for stalls in the new Darley Street Market.

"Some traders applied, others didn’t, either for business or personal reasons including retirement. 

“The rents at our city centre markets have actually been reduced and this has been the case for many years. This rent reduction reflects the decision to close these markets and to help and support those who are moving to the new market. 

“Those traders who are not moving to the new market will be able to continue trading at the Kirkgate Market site for the time being while preparations are made for its demolition and Darley Street Market will be ready to open in the Spring.” 

The 12-month contract awarded to G&H Group’s Maintenance division will commence from this month.

G&H Group’s Maintenance team’s responsibilities include maintaining the heat pump and boiler systems, ventilation, EV chargers, air conditioning, heat recovery unit, solar PV, rainwater harvesting, and fire safety systems.

As part of G&H Group’s commitment to training the next generation, apprentices will also have the opportunity to attend site visits with the engineers.

Cllr Ross-Shaw added: "We’re pleased G&H Group shares our enthusiasm for the building and its future and warmly welcome them to the Darley Street Market team.”

David Ridsdale, G&H Group’s Maintenance Director said: “G&H Group has been involved with Darley Street Market since main contractor Kier appointed our Building Services division to deliver an extensive MEP package.

"To be appointed to deliver the maintenance contract too, and service all aspects of the building installed by Building Services, reinforces our position as a complete MEP service provider.

“Darley Street Market is a magnificent, low carbon building and we are looking forward to working with Bradford Council in ensuring it performs optimally, all year round, for the comfort of traders and visitors alike.”