Bradford’s 1,000-home City Village gets green light | Construction Enquirer News
Summary
Bradford's City Village project receives approval to transform the Top of Town area with 1,000 new homes, shifting focus from retail decline to urban residential revival.
Why It Matters
This project represents a significant urban regeneration effort in Bradford, addressing housing shortages and revitalizing city centers. It aligns with government strategies to increase urban density and enhance living conditions, making it relevant for local residents and stakeholders in urban development.
Key Takeaways
- The City Village project will deliver 1,000 new homes in Bradford.
- Phase one includes 97 townhouses with community-focused design.
- The initiative aims to revitalize the city center and compete with neighboring areas.
The flagship scheme, driven by Bradford Council and regeneration specialist ECF – the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse – will transform the ‘Top of Town’ area covering Chain Street and both Oastler and Kirkgate closed shopping centres. Phase one has now been waved through and will deliver 97 townhouses across Chain Street and the northern Oastler site, centred around new courtyards, green spaces and a community green. Phase 1 Oastler North townhouse scheme Bradford-based housing association Incommunities has been lined up as preferred funding partner to deliver the first homes for sale and rent, subject to final legal sign-off. Outline consent is also in place for the wider masterplan, including more than 700 flats across the southern Oastler site and Kirkgate, alongside retail, leisure and business space. Plan for Oastler shopping centre site Demolition of the former Oastler Shopping Centre, which closed last summer, is due to start now and will take around seven months. The 1970s Kirkgate Shopping Centre will also shut later this year ahead of demolition towards the end of 2026. Construction of phase one is expected to start this summer and run for around 24 months. Urban village plan Three key sites with phase one (red) and phase 2 with outlining planning (yellow) The project has already secured £13m in-principle backing from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority alongside £30m from Homes England. City Village is one of 15 priority locations ...
