Construction hoarding has begun appearing around buildings in central Bradford as preliminary work gets underway for the ambitious City Village redevelopment scheme.
The initial stage of the multi-million-pound residential project will deliver dozens of family dwellings on the upper Oastler area located near Westgate.
Over the past several days, protective barriers were erected surrounding notable structures including the former Bradford Brewery and the recently emptied Bazaar premises.
These preparations precede the demolition of multiple structures, after which townhouses forming Phase 1 of City Village will be constructed.
The proposals received formal approval during February.
The scheme encompasses the removal of the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, Oastler Centre, and additional structures to accommodate the construction of approximately one thousand residences.
Public parks, open green areas, and commercial space measuring seven thousand square metres will also be incorporated into the plans.
The initiative represents a collaborative venture involving Bradford Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the English Cities Fund, which itself comprises Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse.
Funding of thirteen point two million pounds has been provisionally allocated by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with a further thirty million pounds confirmed from central Government through Homes England.
Bradford Council has transferred control of both the Oastler and Kirkgate locations to the development consortium.
Phase 1 construction will proceed across two separate areas.
The Chair Street section situated on one side of Westgate currently consists of council-operated parking facilities.
The northern Oastler zone encompasses a multistorey car park, Shaw House, the former Bradford Brewery premises, and the Bazaar building.
The Bradford Civic Society had raised concerns regarding the demolition of Shaw House.
However, architects working on City Village maintained that the structure would not align suitably with the proposed residential layout.
Ninety-seven family homes are planned for these two locations.
Building work is scheduled to commence during late 2027, with completion anticipated by autumn 2029.
The residential units will be delivered through collaboration with Incommunities, a housing provider based in Bradford.
Subsequent phases will introduce several hundred apartments across the Oastler and Kirkgate sites.
The original proposals were put forward by the council’s previous Labour administration and have been continued under the current Reform-led leadership, who have characterised the scheme as a transformative undertaking for Bradford.
Hoardings had already appeared around the Oastler market building, which has remained empty since the Darley Street Market commenced operations.
Additional barriers were erected late last week around Shaw House and the Bazaar, while construction facilities were established on an exposed parking area at the lower end of Rawson Road.
Demolition of the Oastler Centre, a process expected to span eight months, will be undertaken by Metropolitan Demolition, a contractor based in Wakefield.