City centre regeneration plans take step forward

Plans to double the size of Bradford city centre, creating an area described as "one of the biggest regeneration sites in the UK", have taken a major step forward.

At a forum in Leeds on Wednesday, Bradford Council announced that global consultancy firm Arup had been commissioned to create the "master plan" for the city's proposed Southern Gateway.

The scheme involves redeveloping the area between Leeds Road and Manchester Road for new housing, businesses, shops and infrastructure, including tram stations and a possible new "through" railway station for the city.

A council spokesman said: "This is a transformational opportunity, bringing with it huge economic and social benefits."

The plans for the Southern Gateway were originally announced at this year's UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The master plan, which is expected to be created over 12 months, would look at the requirements of the development, taking into account the city's heritage and need for "landscape enhancements".

The project includes plans for £4.5bn of transport upgrades, including trams and a new Bradford railway station.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: "This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will drive growth for the district, strengthen supply chains, boost productivity and attract private investment, ensuring Bradford thrives in a competitive landscape."

The master plan would create "a tangible, detailed proposal from street level right the way up to how the new district will work within the city as a whole", she said.

"It will be key in terms of attracting future investment."

Hinchliffe also highlighted that Bradford was the largest city without direct access to the major north-south railway lines.

"A new 'through' rail station in the Southern Gateway is critical to delivering the social and economic benefits of faster travel between regional economic hubs and also to London," she said.

"It will unlock opportunities for young people, with faster, easier access to jobs, apprenticeships, and universities."

Niall Bourkem, associate director at Arup, said the master plan "reflects the city of Bradford's vision and commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future".

"With the future rail station and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's mass transit plans providing momentum, the master plan will set out a clear path for new homes, jobs, cultural opportunities and improved connectivity," he explained.

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