Bradford’s Norfolk Gardens opening marks completion of £45million scheme

The fences have come down from around Norfolk Gardens marking the completion of a £45 million project to transform Bradford city centre.

This welcoming green space, which is now open for people to enjoy, complements the recently completed pedestrianised areas on Market Street, Bridge Street, Bank Street, Broadway and Hall Ings.

The newly created 10,000 square metre park area contains a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, along with pedestrian space, benches and seating for people to rest as well as natural places for children to play.

The cycle lanes and paths which run through the gardens and connect Jacobs Well with Hall Ings have had their finishing touches applied.

The landscaping has been designed to reflect the heritage and culture of the district, using plants and features that bring together both functionality and biodiversity making it an inviting place for visitors and residents to spend time.

The newly pedestrianised space in the city centre is already being used and recently hosted its first public events with the Big Brass Blowout with brass bands playing in the area outside St George’s Hall. A spring family fun day organised by Bradford BID took place last weekend on many of the newly pedestrianised streets. The next major event in the city centre is the Super Soapbox Challenge which takes place on Sunday 4 May and will make use of some of the newly pedestrianised areas.

The Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvement Scheme has been delivered by Bradford Council in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and funded through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

Funding for this scheme was awarded to Bradford Council through a capital grant provided by the Department for Transport and cannot be used for other purposes, such as delivering day to day Council services or other projects.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “The entire project has seen major changes throughout Bradford city centre completely transforming it from traffic choked streets to safe and inviting spaces for people to spend time. I’m delighted to see Norfolk Gardens reopening as a major green park, reflecting public desire to see more green spaces in the heart of the city centre. It’s the culmination of years of hard work by the project team and around 18months of construction work.”

Scott Donson, Project Director at Balfour Beatty said: “We are pleased to have completed works at Norfolk Gardens, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Bradford city centre.

“This newly created green space, featuring an array of trees, shrubs, and sustainable landscaping, will provide a lasting benefit to the community, encourage biodiversity and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors to Bradford.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “The transformation of Bradford city centre is truly remarkable, creating a vibrant and welcoming place for both residents and visitors.

“By reducing traffic and making it easier to get around, this project will have a lasting impact on people’s health, wellbeing, and daily lives.

“I’m delighted to see the completion of the project as we aim to create a better-connected region that works for all.”

For more information about the scheme visit https://www.future-bradford.co.uk/