Plans to double the size of Bradford city centre, creating an area touted as “one of the biggest regeneration sites in the UK” have taken a major step forward.
The Southern Gateway scheme involves the long term redevelopment of an area of city between Leeds Road and Manchester Road for new housing, businesses, shops and infrastructure, including a possible new through station for Bradford and tram stations.
At this year’s UKREiiF regeneration forum in Leeds, Bradford Council announced that global consultancy Arup has been commissioned to create the ‘master plan’ for the future of Southern Gateway.
The master plan, which is expected to be created over 12 months, will look at the requirements of the development, taking into account the city’s heritage and need for “landscape enhancements.”
A Council spokesman said: “The Southern Gateway has been earmarked as one of the biggest regeneration sites in the UK, powered by £4.5bn in transport upgrades, including Mass Transit and a new Bradford rail station.
“This is a transformational opportunity bringing with it huge economic and social benefits. The inner-city Southern Gateway site, with borders along Manchester Road and Leeds Road, will offer high-quality, high-density office, commercial and residential developments alongside new public realm and green spaces.”
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 will 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, and it will be key in terms of attracting future investment.
“Bradford is the largest city without direct access to the major north-south rail 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.
“It will unlock opportunities for young people, with faster, easier access to jobs, apprenticeships, and universities. It means more choices, more freedom, and clearer paths to success – connecting young people to the skills, careers, and futures they deserve.”
Associate Director at Arup, Niall Bourke said: “The Southern Gateway Masterplan 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 masterplan will set out a clear path for new homes, jobs, cultural opportunities and improved connectivity, strengthening the case for further investment and supporting the long-term transformation of the city and wider region.”
By: Chris Young, LDRS
