BRADFORD Civic Society is hosting a talk inside City Hall's historic courtroom later this month to debate the legacy of post-war planner, Stanley Wardley.
The Civic Society says The People of Bradford vs Stanley Wardley' will be a lighthearted look at the era between the late 1940s and early 1970s when elements of the controversial Bradford Central Plan were implemented in the city centre.
"Mr Wardley, who served as Bradford's principal City Engineer, is widely regarded as the mastermind behind modern Bradford's layout, which saw swathes of Victorian buildings demolished to make way for wider roads and new office blocks," said a spokesperson.
"Although some elements of Wardley's initial vision — such as the demolition of St George's Hall — were never realised, other changes to the city centre saw the loss of much-loved landmarks such as the former Kirkgate Market and the Swan Arcade."
The talk will be hosted by Dr David Pendleton, known for his regular Sporting Lunchtime Lectures series.
Dr Pendleton said: "We'll be touching on post-war modernisation, rampant property speculation, the lost city of BHS and C&A, and my obsession with the escalator in the Interchange, among other things.
"It'll be a romp through the city’s recent history, as viewed by one who grew up in Wardley’s Bradford."
The ticket-only event will be hosted in the City Victorian courtroom, just a few doors down from where Wardley once occupied an office.
For tickets and information, visit bradfordcivicsociety.co.uk
The Civic Society said: "The current changes happening to central Bradford are probably on the same, if not very similar, scale to those which occurred to the city under Stanley Wardley's watchful eye, so it seems like an appropriate time to debate the legacy of that vision.
"To some, he's the man who destroyed Victorian Bradford, but to others he was right to push for a more modern, forward-looking city.
"Whatever your views, this promises to be a fascinating tour of Bradford's recent heritage."
Bradford Civic Society has previously hosted public debates on the future of Darley Street, the role of Brutalism in Bradford, and recently screened J B Priestley's rarely-seen film, Lost City.
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