1,000 new homes set to replace monumental shopping centre in Bradford

Bradford Council has bought Kirkgate shopping centre, hoping to convert the space into an ‘urban village’ that will transform the heart of the city.  

Originally the council planned to build ‘city village’ which looked to create 500 new homes, but after buying the shopping centre, this will be doubled to 1,000.  

Developing new homes will help to address the shortage of modern, sustainable housing within the city centre.  

As well as forming new places for people to live, these new homes are a component in the council’s strategy to make Bradford a ‘world-class’ place to work, live and play.   

Other regeneration projects are also set to follow the new houses.  

Bradford Live events and entertainment complex – which is said to seat 4,000 people and is costing £22m to build – is also due to open next year.  

As part of the transformation of the city centre, major routes including Market Street and the Jacobs Wells area will be pedestrianised and a £17.5m cycle route is scheduled to be created on Thornton Road.   

The transformation of the old shopping centre is also allowing retailers to relocate to bigger spaces around the city.  

Primark, which is currently based in the Kirkgate centre, will move to The Broadway where it will take over Debenhams’ former store. 

After being named the UK City of Culture 2025, it is estimated that Bradford’s district could make an extra £700m by attracting around 1.1 million visitors by 2030.  

By constructing a thriving city centre, the council aims to attract new businesses such as independent shops and cafes, creating new job opportunities.  

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council has said: ‘Good local authorities up and down the country are using their assets and resources to help shape their local economy to make them vibrant and sustainable in the future.  

‘This is what we’re doing here in Bradford taking on this major anchor site.’  

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for regeneration and planning said: ‘With the Kirkgate and Oastler Centres as two major redevelopment sites in the same area, it’s a huge opportunity to reshape the city centre with sustainable and quality new housing, public spaces and business developments.’ 

Photo by Emphyrio