A launch date at last for Bradford’s delayed city centre park

The city council said construction on the six-acre site was expected to finish next month, except for work on a pavilion building.

Civic leaders want the park to be used as a focal point for national events and for local celebrations such as the Lord Mayor’s Parade.

It was originally planned in 2007 but was shelved when the Big Lottery Fund pulled the plug on £24.5m of funding.

Coun David Green, the council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “The official launch event promises to be a great day at City Park.

“Construction work is due to end in January and the park will open at that point but the event in March gives us the chance to officially launch it with a bang and showcase the fountains, artworks and space as a whole.

“It will mark the starting point of City Park becoming a venue for large and small-scale, community-based, events that bring more visitors in to the city centre and support the local economy.”

The park contains a 4,000 sq ft mirror pool and 100 fountains, including 40 low-powered fountains for children. Its 100ft central fountain is the tallest in any UK city.