'Quite nice' or a 'waste of money': Public divided on city centre work

There were mixed opinions among readers, with some welcoming the progress of the work and stating that it looks 'quite nice', and others dubbing the scheme a waste of taxpayers’ money and criticising 'drab paving'.

Reacting on Facebook, Kath Peacock said: "The biggest waste of money!

"Money could have been ploughed in to getting the shops up and running so shoppers were enticed back into the city.

"The bus situation, in my opinion remains unsatisfactory.."

She suggested that business rents/rates could be lowered, thus encouraging new businesses. 

Christine Grant responded: "Hopefully, when they’ve made Bradford a nicer place to visit, they’ll address those issues?"

Nick Goodyear bemoaned: "It's a total disgrace what the shambles they call a council has done to a once great city. It's not their back garden."

Diana Jacobs added: "No good looking nice if there isn’t a bus station or services that can get the people close enough to enjoy it. Need to make it easier for those who struggle to walk long distances to get to the shops or work."

Similar concerns were echoed by readers like Liz Austin who lamented the lack of accommodation for those who cannot walk far.

Despite the discontent, some readers expressed cautious optimism about Bradford’s future.

Abdah Ghaffar said: "You’ve made Bradford look amazing in this video.

"And to be honest it isn’t as bad as what people may say….it’s how you portray things."

Christine Greenwood was grateful for the update: "Thanks for that, good to have a look around and try to visualise what the streets will look like once the work is completed.

"Hopefully it’s onwards and upwards for Bradford to reflect the investments made."

Market Street on Friday (Image: T&A)

Jennifer Clarke said: “Looks amazing ..enormous amount of work and changes to the city , can barely recognise it .Just hope everything kick starts when Bradford live is sorted out and city of culture begins.”

Christine Grant said: "It’ll be nice when it’s finished!"

Craig Waddle said: “We’re getting there. WE ARE BRADFORD.”

Jackie Smith said: “To be honest it sort of looks quite nice.”

Samuel Butterfield wasn’t quite so impressed, stating: “Road closures and loads of drab paving.”

Paul Bell added: “Should of left it as it was, and they could of used Hall Ings for the buses.”

Going forward, more residents seem to desire better infrastructure, accessibility, and job opportunities.

Jenny Smith pointed this out saying: "Bradford needs proper jobs, people with disposable income in the centre and much more visible policing.

"The ever-decreasing number of office workers in the centre has totally dwarfed any benefits from the infrastructure regeneration projects."