Stepped planter and new benches among additions to streets

Work to pedestrianise swathes of the centre began in Spring, and this week has seen more of the completed areas open up to the public.

It is all part of the Government funded Transforming Cities Fund that was first announced in 2020.

Work this week has seen the construction of a stepped planter next to Britannia House on Broadway. When it is completed, seating and trees will be added to the feature – which will be a central part of the newly pedestrianised street.

And the first of a number of new benches have been installed, with two being fitted on Market Street, near the Wool Exchange, and two on the bottom of Ivegate, next to the street’s iconic black gate and facing an area that has gone from a busy bus route to a pedestrian throughfare.

One of the new benches installed on Ivegate (Image: T&A)

As the work in the city centre continues, the maze of fenced off areas is gradually being removed, opening up the new look streets.

An update on the work from Bradford Council said: “At Bank Street, the entirety of the road is now fully accessible to pedestrians at both ends. Both sides of Broadway are also opening up to pedestrians, creating a large open space where it meets Bank Street.

A newly pedestrianised Broadway is now almost fully completed (Image: T&A)

“The northern end of Market Street from The Broadway Shopping Centre entrance to the Bank Street junction is now mostly open to pedestrians.

Almost all of Bank Street is now open to pedestrians (Image: T&A)

“Large sections of fencing has been removed, with only a small amount of future work due to take place in this area to install street furniture and carry out planting work.

Benches that have just been installed on Market Street (Image: T&A)

“In the next few weeks, the southern end of Market Street is expected to be fully opened to pedestrians as paving works and the removal of fencing progresses.

“Paving works on Bridge Street are continuing, and fencing will gradually be removed from this area in the coming weeks, opening it up to pedestrians.

Work on Bridge Street (Image: T&A)

“Once the works are completed, the new public spaces will create an improved and more accessible experience for pedestrians, as well as a more vibrant city centre environment that attracts investment and is easier to get around.”

The majority of works are expected to be completed by the end of the year.