UKREiiF | ECF on board for Bradford City Village

Bradford Council has signed a pre-development agreement to work in partnership with The English Cities Fund on delivery for the 1,000-home masterplan area, one of its banner projects.

ECF is a strategic joint venture between developer Muse, which is closing in on completion of the 56,400 sq ft One City Park office scheme in Bradford; investor Legal & General; and the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England.

Together with the council, ECF will now explore the key elements for delivery, funding and phasing of City Village, which will include the former Kirkgate and Oastler Markets area of the city.

The council’s strategic director of place David Shepherd told an event at UKREiiF that “we are over the moon to have ECF as our partner – this is another really big piece of the jigsaw in moving Bradford city centre forward.”

ECF said that the plans are to create a safe, healthy, attractive neighbourhood; with high-quality public spaces, modern landscaping and traffic-calmed streets. The project will look to build on the momentum of the new Darley Street Market development and the council’s recent purchase of Kirkgate Shopping Centre. The Transforming Cities Fund has been put to work on public realm improvements.

Simon Dew, development director at ECF, said: “Bradford is a progressive city, with the same vision as ours, of delivering regeneration that focuses on people, place and planet, and we’re excited to be announcing our latest partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

“All three joint venture partners are currently investing in Bradford and have come together to unlock the creation of the new City Village community, which will provide fantastic opportunities for economic and social growth that will help communities in the city to thrive and prosper for the long term.

“We’re at the start of our collective journey together and we’re looking forward to further strengthening our close partnership with the council, to deliver place-changing regeneration in the heart of Bradford city centre.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This is a very significant announcement for us, demonstrating the momentum and power of public-private partnership to invest in one of the most vital cities in England.

“With Bradford Live , One City Park and Darley Street Market opening in 2024 it is right we look to the medium term for the next phase of renewal of the city. The confidence of Legal and General, Muse Places and Homes England just shows the progress we are making we welcome this collaboration with English Cities Fund”

City Village also features in the new strategic place partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Homes England, announced this week.