Members of Bradford Civic Society’s new ‘place panel’ met with the design team behind Bradford’s proposed new markets relocation project in early February as part of a pre-planning consultation period.
The meeting began with a presentation by architects from Greig & Stepenson who shared their updated plans for a new food-led market building on Darley Street, which is now to feature a brand new civic square on the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Burton buildings. Members also heard from the head of the City’s market service, Colin Wolstenhome, who gave an update on the timescales for the compulsory purchase of buildings on Darley Street and the construction of the new market hall. Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, was also present.
Members of the Civic Society’s Place Panel welcomed the ambitious plans, but also had a chance to scrutinise some of the design details and offer some constructive feedback on elements including accessibility, scale, branding and visual impact. Chair of the place panel, Dr Paul Waley, said the meeting was a positive and useful exercise, and the feedback has now been presented back to Bradford Council as part of the formal consultation process. The team behind the markets project have been invited to speak at a future ‘all member’ meeting of the Civic Society as the project advances.
A planning application for the demolition of the former M&S building (along with others on Darley Street) and the creation of a new market building and public square is due to be submitted in late February. It’s anticipated that demolition work could commence later this year, with the new food-led market set to open in 2021. A refurbished non-food market will open within the Kirkgate Centre in 2020, although that will be subject to a separate consultation and planning process. Upon completion of the new building, the Oastler Market will be demolished to make way for housing, although Bradford Council have given the Civic Society assurances that no demolition work will commence until the new markets are fully operational and all traders have relocated.
- Bradford Civic Society’s place panel was formed in late 2018 to serve as critical friend to developers and Bradford Council. The panel is made up of experts and representatives from a wide range of sectors including design, urban planning, education, culture and community. Anyone who’s a member of the Bradford Civic Society is welcome to join the place panel.
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