Bradford Civic Society: Boss steps down after more than decade
The Chairman of Bradford Civic Society is to stand down after more than a decade serving the organisation in various roles.
Si Cunningham was elected as Chairman in 2017 – at the time the youngest head of a Civic Society in the UK.
Since taking over the Bradford organisation –founded in 1942 – Mr Cunningham launched the city’s first co-ordinated blue plaque scheme in 2019; championed a number of campaigns to promote civic pride and better design in Bradford; and helped secure a Historic England Heritage Action Zone for the city centre.
He was also the driving force behind the introduction of new heritage-style street name plates and boundary welcome signs that have recently been introduced across Bradford.
He said: “Being involved in such an historic organisation at a time of great change for Bradford has been an incredibly rewarding experience. When I first joined the civic society as a member, I was interested in discovering more about the city’s heritage, and had no intention of becoming the group’s Chair. But the passion and warmth of Bradfordians is infectious, and I’m fortunate to have been trusted to work on some very fun things for a place loved by so many.”
He founded the Blue Plaques for Bradford Scheme in 2019 and has recently commissioned the city’s 15th blue plaque. “Blue plaques have by far been the most rewarding part of the role, although I admit that it’s not been without challenges because of the huge amount of logistics involved, and also a lot of emotionally-charged subjects. But Bradford now has a scheme that’s up to the same standard as other big English cities, which I think is very important for us.”
Another key feature of his tenure was the introduction of a number of high profile events and public debates on the city’s regeneration prospects – including more work to champion the city’s 20th century architecture.
He said: “We decided to host a public debate about the future of Bradford’s most hated building – High Point – and secured some brilliant guest speakers. I wasn’t sure if there would be any appetite for it, yet we had 70 people packing out a small studio on Rawson Place to debate architecture. It was a brilliant discussion and I hope it helped set the tone for future discourse on Bradford design matters.”
The Society has also taken on a more prominent role in Bradford design and planning matters – leading campaigns to stop the blight of unauthorised shopfronts in the city centre, while also contributing to early design consultations on major projects such as Darley Street Market and City Village.
On this he said: “The planning and design stuff has been a real challenge. I notice a growing gulf between planning law and how developments work, and what the wider public’s expectations are. That’s something that urgently needs addressing if Bradfordians are to feel part of the city’s future development plans.”
Mr Cunningham is standing down from the Chair’s role to focus more on work and family commitments.
He will remain involved in Bradford Civic Society and will continue to chair the City’s Heritage Action Zone.
A new Bradford Civic Society leadership and revived model for events and blue plaques will be announced soon.
He added: “I couldn’t leave without paying tribute to my predecessor Alan Hall, a much-missed friend who sadly died last year.
“He and his wife Mandy were always incredibly supportive, along with the society’s other trustees and members. I’ve had a huge amount of fun and I hope I’ve helped improve a few things for Bradford along the way too. I know my successor will do a brilliant job putting their own stamp on this fascinating and historic organisation, making sure it moves with the times.”