The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “X”) will be submitted to the Committee to provide an update on progress with city centre regeneration since the previous report of 12 February 2020.

Recommended –

That Members are asked to consider the contents of the report.

(Angela Blake – 01274 434093)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “X”) was submitted to the Committee to provide Members with an update from the report submitted in February 2020.  Bradford District’s ambition was to be the UK’s fastest growing economy over the coming decade.  Covid 19 had adversely impacted footfall in the city centre, which remained the focus for the Council as part of the wider approach to economic growth across the whole District.  In order to compete, the city centre had to be a liveable and vibrant place to attract and retain businesses.  

The report contained details of projects undertaken and completed as part of The City Centre Growth Scheme which was created in 2012 to address challenges being faced in the city centre, focussing on a number of sectors which are listed below:

·         Retail – The Broadway Shopping Centre, despite the impacts of Covid the Broadway shopping centre continued to report increasing visitor numbers

·         Sparkling Bradford – the campaign was shortlisted for the Travel/Leisure Content Campaign of the Year aiming to boost the region’s economy, as well as showcase visitor experiences across the District

·         The Cultural Offer – major refurbishment to St George’s Hall

·         The evening and night time economy – helping to create a safe, vibrant and well balanced offer

·         Bradford UNESCO City of Film – in its eleventh year and still going from strength to strength

·         City centre developments – major transformation of the centre over the following 3 years

·         One City Park – to help address the shortage of grade A office space in the city centre

·         City centre markets – demolition and development of a state of the art building to deliver a modern, multi-level market offer

·         Bradford Live – redevelopment and conversion of former Odeon Cinema building to strengthen the range of live cultural and conference events hosted

·         Station Gateways – both city centre stations redeveloped to provide high quality gateways to the city

·         New state of art Coroners Court building - a vital provision for families and communities of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.

·         City centre residential developments – to provide an excellent city centre place to call home

·         Townscape Heritage Scheme - Centred inthe “Top of Town” area of the Bradford City Centre Conservation Area, to support property owners to improve heritage buildings

·         Top of Town Public Realm Improvements - Building on the public realm improvements being delivered as part of the Townscape Heritage scheme, the proposal would enhance the streetscape at North Parade, Rawson Square and Northgate

·         Transforming Cities Fund - funding has been made available by the Department for Transport to enable core cities and regions to bid for projects that improve productivity by investing in public and sustainable transport infrastructure across the City.

Following the Officers’ presentation, Members were then given the opportunity to comment and ask questions, the details of which, and the responses given are as below.

·         What was there in the plans for children and young people e.g. playgrounds – was it part of ‘Transforming Cities’ for families, children and young people?

·      Officers stated that it was the start of an integrated offer which could expand into additional elements.  The portfolio holder for Regeneration was also present who then provided a brief summary and stated that there would be more details to follow

·         What area was being classified as the city centre as footfall should be included from further out?

·      Officers advised that there were 2 major development frameworks, range of uses, spaces, reviews of historic designations and flexibility of systems being offered.  So defined lines were not fixed.  The range of development would change how it was viewed

·         Children defined city centres differently, and defined differently depending on what sections of the community were interested in.  Was there scope to incorporate this?

·      Officers responded that we needed to understand our assets and do a re-set within the framework of investment and the people coming into the city to work.  The range of communities was underplayed and the change of dynamics would need to be understood.  The portfolio holder addressed the Committee stating that there was a growing appetite to recognise other sites in their own right.  The city centre would be the first focus followed by towns and attempts would be made to anticipate trends to keep going and stay ahead of them

·         What was being done to attract big businesses to the city?

·      Officers stated that we were not competing with Leeds and inward investment was now being targeted to expand Bradford’s strength.  Business start-ups had changed significantly and SME and microbusinesses had not been showcased to get them to stay and expand etc.

·         In the context of reducing school run traffic, how did it fit in with the reduction in footfall?  In relation to empty shops, where were people shopping?

·      Officers stated that footfall was returning to pre-pandemic levels, but shoppers may not be visiting the same places or outlets, a change in trend.  The city was doing well in comparison on the number of vacant premises, providing the right environment for businesses to succeed.  Multiple forms of lower carbon transport modes being used rather than cars

·         What was being done to make Bradford a safe place to visit?

·      Officers responded that footfall was up, creating an environment where the perception was more positive – the issue was around perception

Resolved –

That the report be noted.

Action: Strategic Director, Place