“Wastefield” Bradford to become green oasis
Work to develop a temporary park on the stalled site of a £320m shopping centre development in Bradford owned by Westfield is due to begin on Monday.
The 10-acre site suffered graffiti from local artists angry that the site was left to decay while the development was on hold, who branded the company “Wastefield” on the hoardings.
However, now the developer has signed an agreement with Yorkshire Forward and Bradford Council to house a temporary park on the site, a positive example of what Property Week is campaigning for in its Site Life campaign.
Walkways, green spaces and lighting will be installed before the hoardings are removed to allow public access. Westfield is also consulting with community, cultural and business groups in the city about the interim uses while the landscaping is taking place.
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. The interim use will open up pathways across the city and provide opportunities for local engagement through art, events and skills training.”
Neil Huntingdon, development director for Westfield Bradford, said: “We have been working with Bradford Council and other partners recently to establish an interim solution for the Broadway site. 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 meantime.”
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