Incommunities signs delivery deal for first phase of Bradford’s City Village
The agreement enables demolition and enabling works to begin using funding already secured through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land programme, with works expected to start on site within weeks.
Bradford-based Incommunities will work alongside Bradford Council and ECF – the partnership between Homes England’s National Housing Bank, Legal & General and Muse – to deliver the first phase of the city centre neighbourhood.
The initial phase will provide 97 two and three-bedroom townhouses across Chain Street and the northern section of the former Oastler Shopping Centre site.
The homes will comprise a mix of shared ownership, affordable rent and social rent properties, all of which will be owned and managed by Incommunities.
Wakefield-based Metropolitan Demolition has been appointed to carry out an eight-month programme to demolish the former shopping centre and surrounding buildings ahead of construction.
Building work on the new homes is expected to begin in winter 2027, with completion targeted for summer 2029.
City Village forms a central part of Bradford Council’s long-term regeneration plans and aims to deliver up to 1,000 homes across three sites at the northern end of the city centre, alongside new public spaces, improved walking and cycling connections, and opportunities for retail, leisure and commercial uses.
The project has secured £30m of Government funding through Homes England, alongside £13.2m in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Future phases will include more than 300 apartments on the southern half of the Oastler site and around 400 apartments on the former Kirkgate Shopping Centre site.
Demolition of Kirkgate is expected to begin in early 2027 following a programme of internal strip-out works.
The wider project team includes 5plus Architects, re-form Landscape Architecture, Avison Young, Cushman & Wakefield, and Turner & Townsend.
Cllr Andrew Judson, Bradford Council’s executive member for economy, regeneration, and planning, said: “This is a landmark moment in the delivery of what will be a transformative development for Bradford. The plans are progressing and this is a milestone as they become reality.
“The scheme is set to be game-changing for the city centre and when the homes are built and green, public spaces created, they will create a thriving neighbourhood with opportunities for leisure and business.
“Incommunities has a strong connection to Bradford and we will continue to work together to deliver real change for the future.”
Rachael Dennis, chief executive of Incommunities, said: “As Bradford’s largest housing association, we’re proud to be playing a key role in delivering this first phase of homes, with our investment helping to bring forward a new city centre neighbourhood made up of high-quality homes that are truly affordable for local people and families. Projects like this play a vital role in creating a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable future for Bradford.”
James Dinsley, development manager – Yorkshire and North East at ECF, added: “This is a hugely ambitious and complex city centre neighbourhood, and the fact that momentum is continuing at such pace is a testament to the shared drive of the partners involved.
“Having Incommunities fund, own, and manage all of the townhouses being delivered in Phase 1 ensures long-term stewardship and provides future residents with the reassurance of a professionally managed and maintained home.
“Drawing on our knowledge and experience of delivering award-winning communities across the country, we will continue to work with the council and the Incommunities team to ensure the homes, and the surrounding public spaces, are designed and delivered to the highest standard.
“We are proud to be playing our part in changing the way Bradford city centre will be used and enjoyed by future generations.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “This is a fantastic step in the right direction, to build the homes our communities need and breathe new life into the places we’re proud to call home.
“With a thousand new homes planned for the city centre – alongside vibrant green spaces, modern transport links and thriving new high streets – City Village will transform the local area and help to turbocharge our regional economy.”
