THE majority of work to pedestrianise Bradford city centre will be completed by the end of the year – but one of its centrepieces will not likely be open by January.
Bradford Council has recently given an update on the long-running Transforming Cities Fund works that are drastically reshaping the city centre.
By the end of the month, most of the work on Market Street and Broadway will be completed, along with more sections of Bridge Street and Hall Ings.
After the Council's latest update, the Telegraph & Argus shot a video tour of parts of the city centre where the most significant changes have taken place (see above).
The walk-through video, filmed on Friday afternoon, features many of the new public realm features that are taking shape, the newly-paved pedestrian streets and the Darley Street Market.
By the end of November, new access to City Hall will be completed, and by the end of December, all of the work to Bridge Street will be complete, as will the Nelson Street/Hall Ings bus link.
But despite attempts to complete most of the work before the start of Bradford’s City of Culture, the extension to Norfolk Gardens park will not be finished before January.
It will feature new planting, trees, seating areas, paths, cycle lanes, and public meeting spaces.
Councillor Tariq Hussain (Lab, Great Horton) asked for an update on the timescales for the work being completed at a meeting of the Council on Tuesday.
The response from Council bosses said that many of the areas were just weeks away from completion, and most of the work would be finished by Christmas.
But it added: “The Norfolk Gardens park area between Nelson Street and Bridge Street will be aesthetically much improved by the end of the year, but will most likely remain closed during January so landscaping work can be carried out.”
This area includes a new “pocket park” on the site of the former NCP car park.
The Government-funded work is being carried out by Balfour Beatty in partnership with Bradford Council.
After months of many of the city’s main roads being fenced off, many of the streets are now beginning to open up.
Benches have been installed on numerous streets in the past few weeks, and some of the green areas are now taking shape, with turf laid on sites on Broadway this week.
Planters are being finished off, and several trees have now been planted.
One of the key features of the work is a “meeting circle” in front of St George’s Hall – formed by two large crescent-shaped planters.
Other work either completed or nearing completion includes new cycle lanes, one of which passes through the newly pedestrianised Hall Ings and 18 bus shelters.
Bradford Council gave a further update on the work on Friday.
A spokesperson said: “The next phase of works will see the further injection of greenery with more trees and shrubs being planted in the raised planters, roadside beds, and within root cells which have been installed, improving the biodiversity of the city centre.
“Trees on Market Street include deciduous Amelanchier Lamarkii growing to between 2.5 and 4m. They provide year-round interest, with white flowers throughout spring and leaves which open coppery-red, changing to a soft green in summer and red, orange, and yellow in autumn.
“Other trees on Market Street include evergreen Osmanthus Burkwoodii. Surrounding these will be a mix of small evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs as well as flowering perennials.”
Sections of the city that are due to be completed by the end of October include
- Market Street (except the junction with Lower Kirkgate)
- Broadway
- Sunbridge Road to Aldermanbury
- Bridge Street (Aldermanbury to Broadway and Hall Ings to Vicar Lane)
- Hall Ings (between Vicar Lane and Bridge Street and Princes Way to Nelson Street
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “It’s great to see the progress being made. The transformation is really starting to take shape.
“I’d like to thank people for their continued patience while the works take place. I know our contractors are working as quickly as they can to complete sections and get them open to pedestrians and now that the greenery is being added people should be able to start to get a feel for what it will be like once it’s completed.
“We know that the scale of the construction work has caused disruption, but the end result will be worth it and will benefit us and future generations for many years to come.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, deputy chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “I’m pleased to see the progress on this transformative scheme for Bradford city centre, which will make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel.
“It will also reduce traffic and improve public transport – helping towards our goal of being a net zero carbon region by 2038.
“While there has been some disruption, these changes will bring huge benefits as we continue to build a greener, better-connected region that works for all.”
Scott Donson, Balfour Beatty portfolio director, said: “We are incredibly pleased with the progress our teams are making to transform the heart of Bradford into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.
“By incorporating greenery and beautifully designed spaces, we are not only reducing traffic and creating more sustainable transport routes, but also building a healthier and greener future for the city.”
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