Green oasis for city site of £320m shops plan

Landscaping work on the site of Bradford's stalled £320m shopping centre is due to start on Monday.

The 15-acre city centre site has been empty since demolition work began in 2004 to make way for Westfield to build the long-awaited Broadway development.

Now the vast construction site is to be turned into "a temporary green oasis" after agreement was reached between developer Westfield Bradford, regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and Bradford Council.

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According to the council, Westfield will create a "safe and manageable space", install walkways, green spaces and lighting before finally removing the hoardings to allow public access.

Mike Cowlam, Bradford Council's assistant director for economic development, said: "Westfield and the council remain committed to the final scheme.

"However in the current climate it is unrealistic to expect development work to start in the near future."

Mr Cowlam added: "The interim use will open up pathways across the city and provide a variety of opportunities for local engagement and skills training."

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The council says that its local impact team is ensuring local residents can benefit through the use of local labour, supplies and apprenticeships.

Neil Huntington, development director for Westfield Bradford, said: "The area is to be transformed into an urban 'green space.'

"Westfield continues to work on the wider redevelopment of the site, but this project will ensure that the area is transformed into an attractive, safe and dynamic space that will be of benefit to the community in the interim."

Community, cultural and business groups in the city are being consulted about the interim use of the landscaped site.