Arup appointed on Bradford Southern Gateway
The consultancy will create the masterplan for the new district, which will double the size of the city centre.
Located to the south of the city and bordered by Manchester Road and Leeds Road, the vision currently includes ECF’s City Village, which will see around 900 city centre homes built across Chain Street, Oastler, and Kirkgate.
The final phase of public consultation on phase one is underway, with work expected to start next spring.
Other plans for the Southern Gateway site include £4.5bn of transport upgrades, including a new railway station and Mass Transit, a new CBD, more housing, public realm, and green spaces.
Arup is expected to take 12 months to create the masterplan, which will take the city’s heritage into account.
Cllr 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.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Bradford’s Southern Gateway represents one of the biggest and most exciting regeneration opportunities in the UK.
“With the potential for 5,000 new homes, alongside a new through station and new tram line to Leeds, these plans will grow our economy and ensure our region can prosper for years to come.”
Associate director at Arup, Niall Bourke added: “The Southern Gateway Masterplan reflects the city of Bradford’s vision and commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future.
“Building on the progress already made, Arup will work closely with the Council, local stakeholders and communities to develop a plan that reflects Bradford’s heritage and identity while enabling future growth through investment in infrastructure and public space.”
