City centre park opens after major works completed

A city centre park the size of a football pitch has opened to the public after construction works were completed.

Norfolk Gardens, next to Bradford City Hall, has been expanded over the newly pedestrianised Hall Ings to create a new green space.

Plants, trees and turf were added at the start of spring and, after being given time to settle, contractors have removed the fencing around the park.

Stepping stones which mark the historic watercourse of the Bowling Beck that runs beneath the garden have also been installed.

Work is continuing, however, on a neighbouring "parklet" on the former NCP car park site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A temporary sculpture – the Tower of Now – is being installed on that site this week.

Norfolk Gardens, announced late last year, marks the final phase of a major £45m infrastructure project delivered by Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

It is part of the Transforming Cities Fund, awarded by the government in 2020.

The 10,000 sq m (2.5 acre) area includes green spaces, flower beds, new seating areas and cycle lanes.

More than 7,700 plants and shrubs of 173 different species including 57 trees have been planted, boosting local biodiversity.

Tree varieties include birch, rowan, maple, lime and juneberry, with cherry trees to form a boulevard.

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