Artist's impression released for expanded Norfolk Gardens

A green space will extend the existing Norfolk Gardens across Hall Ings, towards the site of the former NCP car park.

The work is being carried out as part of the Transforming Cities Fund project for Bradford. 

The artist's impression of the expanded Norfolk Gardens (Image: Bradford Council) Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "We are creating a major new park as part of our Transforming Cities programme - and I'm confident the expanded Norfolk Gardens will reflect the public feedback for more green spaces in the city centre.

"A lot of thought has gone into the design of the space - with the textile heritage and the colours of local sporting teams and military heritage being incorporated. 

"The absence of traffic and beautiful landscaping in this newly-expanded area will provide a safer, greener and more sustainable environment for people to enjoy."

According to Bradford Council, the designs draw on the rich textile heritage of the Bradford district, once known as Worstedopolis - the wool capital of the world.  

Designers researched natural dyes which have been used in the Bradford district for more than 150 years.

They have selected species of plants linked to those dyes.

The new planted area will include claret, amber, red and black - giving a nod to the colours of many of the district's sporting clubs and the West Yorkshire Regiment.

There will be 20 species of trees including silver, black and red birches.
 
According to Bradford Council, there will also "sustainable elements to channel rainwater", allowing it to drain naturally into the soft landscaping, providing water for the plants and helping to alleviate surface water flooding.

Despite the visual transformation, there are some elements which will remain untouched or have been reincorporated into the contemporary designs - including the memorial garden.

The stone mermaid, which was in the subway area of the former Jacobs Well roundabout, will be integrated into the new scheme.  
 
A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "This major civil infrastructure project is being delivered through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transforming Cities Fund. 

"This is a capital grant transport fund, provided by the Department for Transport, and cannot be used for other purposes, such as delivering day-to-day services or other projects."