Bradford unveils latest blueprint to regenerate struggling centre

COUNCILLORS in Bradford will meet tomorrow to consider the latest blueprint designed to shape the city centre for the next 15 years.

The proposals could pave the way for more than 3,000 new homes in the heart of the city and controversially see Bradford’s landmark former Odeon cinema building used for offices, leisure and homes.

The Bradford City Centre Area Action Plan, a detailed planning document and part of the emerging City Plan for Bradford, will influence decisions about the city centre’s transport, infrastructure, community facilities and economic development over the next 15 years.

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However the plans are likely to be met with much scepticism by the Bradford public who have seen numerous development plans created for the city centre in the past 12 years, but very little actual building work.

In a move likely to ruffle some feathers, the blueprint proposes that the site occupied by the former Odeon cinema building – recently saved from demolition – is allocated for office-led mixed use which could consist of leisure space, offices and residential units.

A report to be considered by Bradford Council’s executive says: “Any proposal for the site should make provision for a distinctive building, which is a landmark in the city centre. This could include the retention of the existing building, or elements of it, as part of a scheme.”

The landmark is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency and has been offered to Bradford Council for £1. The local authority is awaiting the results of surveys before making a decision. An ambitious proposal to turn it into a 3,5000 capacity live music venue was unveiled last month by local businessman Lee Craven.

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Bradford Council Leader Councillor David Green said: “We are open to all possibilities for the Odeon and have asked people to come forward with viable schemes. We have commissioned a number of surveys and investigations to be done on the building before we decide anything.”

The building is part of a wider “neighbourhood” and once again the blueprint envisages a Business Forest development, a concept seen on Bradford Council documents for more than five years but never realised.

Known as ‘The Bowl’ it is proposed be designated as a central business and leisure district.

The other neighbourhoods in the proposals are:

• The Channel – incorporating Little Germany and the long-awaited Broadway shopping centre, focusing on retail and residential-led mixed use development with over 1,000 new homes;

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• The Market – the city’s existing shopping areas including the Kirkgate Centre and Oastler Centre, which could be a focus for small scale independent retailing and leisure and 500 new homes;

• The Valley – the Goitside area which could be the focus of city living with the development of at least 1,650 new homes, with small scale leisure and retail units;

• The Learning Quarter: incorporating Bradford University and College campus, which is earmarked for expanded education and student living.

• Southern Gateway, which could become a focus for city living with 740 residential units.

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Council leader David Green said: “In terms of planning legislation and regulation it is a vital cog in regenerating Bradford city centre. This is trying to identify where we should designate for retail, offices, arts and culture and leisure. That in itself will not regenerate Bradford. In terms of the onward regeneration of Bradford city centre we are continuing to work to attract inward investors to build and develop the uses of Bradford city centre.”

The council’s executive will be asked to approve the report tomorrow.