Green light given to 1,000 new homes in city centre

An agreement for a 1,000-home residential and leisure development in Bradford has been signed.

Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the English Cities Fund accepted the deal, which will kick off the first phase of the £30m scheme.

Called City Village, the development will include affordable housing as well as three new parks and public spaces, shops, cafes, restaurants and offices.

Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: "City Village is a transformative regeneration programme which will redefine the city centre."

She added: "While housing is at the heart of these plans, City Village will also create opportunities for new independent retail, cafes, bars and business spaces in a city that in 2025 will become the UK's number one cultural destination.

"It shows the direction of Bradford for the next 10 years – quality housing, more public and green spaces with a strong cultural offer, creating the quality of city centre living that our residents need and deserve.

"We're delighted to be moving forward on City Village, as part of a much bigger picture of regeneration across Bradford with current programmes like One City Park complete, and the pedestrianisation works due to finish soon."

Bradford Council previously said funds would be used for the demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate shopping centre sites as part of the initial work on the scheme.

Construction is expected to start in 2027 and continue for a decade.

The 25-hectare regeneration zone is bounded by Centenary Square and Forster Square Station, and was historically the city's retail quarter. The Oastler and Kirkgate sites and land off Chain Street, all of which are owned by the council, have been allocated to the development.

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "Thanks to partnership working and the power of devolution, we're unlocking millions of pounds of investment to regenerate communities, raise living standards, build more homes and grow our economy.

"Bradford City Village will be a gamechanger for West Yorkshire as we work to build a stronger, brighter region."

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