Bradford Council, in partnership with the English Cities Fund (ECF), is inviting the public to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bradford City Village, a project poised to deliver 1,000 new homes and breathe new life into the former retail hub of the city centre.

This visionary initiative, set in the ‘Top of Town’ and Darley Street areas, including the sites of the Kirkgate and Oastler shopping centres, aims to create a sustainable neighbourhood at the heart of the city centre. The primary goal is to modernize outdated retail spaces and reconfigure this part of the city centre to align with evolving economic trends. The project envisions a rejuvenated retail core, complemented by new public spaces, residences, and streets.

Local residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in an online survey or attend a roadshow event where they can engage directly with the project team and contribute their insights to this transformational scheme.

In collaboration with the Council, ECF is currently exploring the essential components for delivery, funding, and project phasing, with a vision of establishing a safe, vibrant, and attractive neighbourhood. This entails creating high-quality public spaces, contemporary landscaping, and traffic-calmed streets.

The project will leverage the momentum generated by recent developments, including the £23 million Darley Street Market, NEC Bradford Live, and the completed One City Park building. Additionally, it will benefit from the ongoing infrastructure enhancements under the Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements scheme.

ECF, a strategic joint venture comprising developer Muse, investor Legal & General, and the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, is committed to not only addressing housing needs but also fostering opportunities for independent retail, cafes, bars, and business spaces within City Village.

Simon Dew, development director at ECF, emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “At this early stage as our plans are still taking shape, we’re starting a conversation with local residents and businesses. We want to hear their views on our initial ideas for regenerating this area of the city and understand what’s important to them. We plan to submit a planning application for City Village towards the end of 2024, and there will be further opportunities for people to get involved as our plans develop.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning, and Transport, added, “City Village is one of the most significant regeneration developments in the district, bringing not just much-needed quality housing into the city centre, but also providing opportunities for our independent retail and hospitality businesses. This first consultation is an early opportunity for people to have their say and help shape the future of the historic ‘Top of Town’ area of the city centre.”