Its been a long time in coming but this year heralds a host off new developments not seen in the City Centre for over 40 years. Small fry I know compared with the powerhouses of Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds but none the less still quiet impressive. Here's whats coming so far.

£300m Broadway Shopping Complex
£50m Beehive Mills apartment development, Thornton Road
£22m Gatehaust (Glass Finn) Apartment block (under construction)
£12m Transformation of Ex Yorkshire Building Society HQ into apartments
£9m Eastbrook Hall Developement (under construction)
£7m Empress apartments (site of the old Empress Pub, Sunbridge Road- U/C)
£3m New Galleries National Photography Museum
£3m Shire House office development, nearly finished.

Numerous Mill conversions into apartments/offices especially in the architectural one off area that is Little Germany.


And about time too.

Welcome Birkyboy: Whys it taken you so long to join in?

Birky - Birkenshaw?

The developments in Bradford are a small step up a large ladder, but a step in the right direction. What is your opinion of Bradford becoming part of a greater Leeds? I feel it would benefit both cities.

I passed this building the other day and it looks truly awesome.

Shire House
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/9545/shirehouse7pu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is the stunning new Gatehaus development which is under construction.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4987/gatehaus2xn.gif

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7931/gatehaus20hd.gif

At Night
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/249/gatehausatnight0ts.gif


Bradford is definately on the way up

Smartcity. You are quiet correct I am from Birkenshaw. I couldnt give a monkeys if Bradford is in Greater Leeds or not so long as the powers that be allocate it a proporationate amount of available funds for infrustructure etc and not just lip service. A successful Leeds can only be good for Bradford and vice versa, also for West Yorkshire. Which is way behind the other major conurbations in the country in terms of road, rail, air links, Sporting achievements and facilities, entertainment facilities and general recognition away from the UK.

With Bradford finally staring to realise its potential. West Yorkshire wont have to relay on Leeds all the time.

I am computer dyslexic so cant post any photos yet, but watch this space !!, Learning fast. But you will see from the ones which have been added there is a certain quality to the new developments which cannot not be said for some new buildings in Leeds which in a few years time certain areas might have a look of Torremolinos without sun.

Any more plans etc I hear about for West Yorkshire's 2nd city.. urr and only 2nd city I will post on here.

Stand by for action

Its taken me over a year to start posting pictures, so don't worry!

(cheers Molly, your a star!)

.. urr and only 2nd city I will post on here.

Stand by for action

I believe Wakefield is a city too, but Bradford is well ahead of Wakefield. You might find Huddersfield is the third place town/city in W Yorks, hot on Bradford's heals, lots happening in Huddersfield.

As for Leeds looking like Torremolenos, I've not been there so can't comment, but Leeds does well in the sunshine stakes, having one of the highest number of hours of sun in the country, sheltered by the Pennines in the west, and the vale of York in the east. East Bradford and Wakefield probably do similarly well, but west Bradford and further west into the Pennines are like a different country weatherwise, I know as I lived there for a while some years ago and sometimes work there.

I remember reading that Leeds gets more sunshine than Milan!

Much better shops in Leeds aswell ;-)

Had a trip out to Bradford today and went past the Gate Haus site on Leeds Road, and saw the tower crane in place. It is near the Shire House shown here, they'll look good near each other when completed.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/p5e9f95f9268b684ecb2fc49054cfe432/f07c28dc.jpg

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/9545/shirehouse7pu.jpg

The rest of Bradford wasn't looking bad, particularly as it was a nice sunny day, but it is so hilly in places.

It is good to see that the pace of the Bradford regeneration is stepping up a gear.

Sorry double post. Doh! :bash:

Like it, I actually think that Bradford has alot of potential, I am really suprised people don't seem to pay much attention to the city in comparison to Leeds. Hopefully Leeds' changing economy will help it and as demand grows in Leeds, businesses don't choose to build on greenfield sites but move into Bradford, which could possibly create in effect one city, a bit like Salford and Manchester suppose. I don't really like Bradford but it's only because there has been little investment in it. There are really good buildings in Bradford. One thing I would like to see in Bradford is any modern developments to be small and low key to keep a traditional, industrial look but one that has a modern twist on the ground.

Like it, I actually think that Bradford has alot of potential, I am really suprised people don't seem to pay much attention to the city in comparison to Leeds. Hopefully Leeds' changing economy will help it and as demand grows in Leeds, businesses don't choose to build on greenfield sites but move into Bradford, which could possibly create in effect one city, a bit like Salford and Manchester suppose. I don't really like Bradford but it's only because there has been little investment in it. There are really good buildings in Bradford. One thing I would like to see in Bradford is any modern developments to be small and low key to keep a traditional, industrial look but one that has a modern twist on the ground.

Bradford and Leeds are absolutely leagues apart, the Gate Haus is the first building of around 10 stories or more for decades, how many have Leeds had in the same period...dozens. But it is a good sign, it would be good for all of us if Bradford does better and gets a bit of pride back.

It'll never be merged with Leeds though as it is too distant geographically and culturally, and is too small to link up, it is small and distant enough and different enough to keep its own independance and identity.

It struck me as being really different from Leeds and other places in every way, it feels like it is a hundred miles away rather than ten miles away, mainly due to being into the base of the Pennines which make it really hilly so giving it a really odd clostrophobic feel, this is combined with it being very grey with everything made from blackened stone, this accentuates the dark clostrophobic feel. However, some of the new buildings are much brighter and shine out as bright spots in the city centre, cheering the place up no end (in the sunlight), for example there is a new or reclad white office building near the interchange, and the University is being re-clad in nice bright panelling (have a look on Skyscrapernews.com). I think this is more essential for Bradford than anywhere else.

Most the buildings aren't that ugly, but they are caked in pollution and could do with a really good clean up. The plan for Bradford (Will Alsop bradfordurc) is good and some of it is realistic. It is perfectly viable to simply demolish the ugly 70's structures and replace them with parkland, as most of the old industrial buildings are empty and could easily be renovated so people can move into those instead. One of Bradford's main problems, I think, is the infrastructure. The road layouts are terrible and far too complicated, and the city simply chokes on it. Something seriously needs to be done about it, it's the worst part about the city.

It'll never be merged with Leeds though as it is too distant geographically and culturally, and is too small to link up, it is small and distant enough and different enough to keep its own independance and identity.

It struck me as being really different from Leeds and other places in every way, it feels like it is a hundred miles away rather than ten miles away, mainly due to being into the base of the Pennines which make it really hilly so giving it a really odd clostrophobic feel, this is combined with it being very grey with everything made from blackened stone, this accentuates the dark clostrophobic feel.

Actually Rob, Bradford is alot like places like Oldham and Rochdale, culturally and again because of the Pennines. Dare I say it, but in many respects for me anyway, Leeds feels closer to Manchester than Bradford. I think it's that cosmopolitan thing!

I'd agree with that, when I go to Bradford, it doesn't feel familiar at all, it seems a world away, Manchester on the other hand, had a similar feel to it as Leeds, just bigger.

May have something to fo with the amount of red brick architecture in Leeds, and the fact Bradford is mainly constructed of Sandstone. Gives a completely feel to the city, despite being 9 miles away.

Quite agree, these Pennine towns and cities are a breed apart, totally different in appearance and atmosphere. Leeds is akin to Manchester, London and most other major cities in its standard range of architecture and environment.

To me that is why Leeds and Manchester succeed, and Bradford, Keighley, Colne, Oldham etc are not seeing much growth.

Incidentally, I noted that generally, the bits of Bradford central that are doing better are all to the south and east of the centre, which is flatter and out of the Pennines (ie GateHaus, Leisure Exchange, couple of new office developments south of the Interchange stretching the city centre boundaries south, Broadgate S.C., new Morrisons HQ, Thornbury business park, other assorted developments along Leeds Rd which is looking a lot better than it was a few years ago). There's virtually nothing going on in north/west Bradford (except the Lister's Mill project), Shipley/Saltaire along the canal/river are doing better though.

Keighley, Colne, Oldham etc are not seeing much growth.

Add Halifax and you have a list of prime banjo playing locations ;)

Personally I prefer the sandstone use in Bradford, it sets it apart from most cities and is incredibly pleasant in the sunshine. I don't know what some people are on about it made out of black stone, it hasn't been that bad since the 50's when they were first cleaned up, I think Mike Priestley (Telegraph and Argus) wrote something about how he thought Bradford was constructed purely of black stone from the earth when he was a lad, but saw the stone shine out from beneath when the job was done.

Sandstone stands in Bradford's favour, red brick design is very generic for a city and it is the main colour for mostly every other city in the UK, especially for it's older buildings. It is good also that this sandstone use extends into the houses of the areas, which although tainted by badly done paint jobs in places, maintain an above average architectural design i.e. the areas between Manchester Road and Great Horton.

The sandstone does have a lot of supporters, and does look good when new, but it does age and blacken badly which is a chemical reaction to polutants in the air.

As for all the discussion about Bradford merging with surrounding areas, it seems the opposite may be the way things are moving, as a campaign may be underway to de-merge Keighley and surrounding area from Bradford Metropolitan Council rule to create it's own district, which could include the prestigious Ilkley and Bingley. This would be going back to how things were a few decades ago, and is being lead be the current Bradford Council leader and backed Anne Cryer (Keighley MP). It makes sense in my opinion as they are totally seperate towns with no link to Bradford at all (apart from the A650).

Was in Bradford city centre recently, and sad to report my overall opinion of the centre was that it was a bit of a dump (no offence). There was a very nice part near some new bars, small park and a big screen. A modern but faceless shopping centre which seemed to have all the decent shops, but the rest was a dump. Can't claim to have seen it all, but as a neutral impartial visitor that was my opinion.
Though - I'm sure a visitor to Leeds 20 years ago would have said the same, so roll on the redevelopment of Bradford.
One thing I really liked was I noticed some (council?) residential tower blocks with what looked like wind turbines and solar panels on the roof...
Talking of bradford roads - there were once plans for the M606 to carry on through Bradford (like the A64M in Leeds?) and then carry on North out of the centre. Real shame this never happened.... (see the sabre website for details)

Not really, i think it is better staying as one, they are linked by the way. As for Leeds, some in Otley, Morley et al wouldn't mind independance, not a bad idea?

By the way Bradford is undergoing regneration of to the scale of £2bn in the city centre, £1bn about to be announced for the Canal Road corridor, £2bn Airedale Masterplan, £50m Bradford Trident regeneration scheme and the Manningham Masterplan.

Bradford is one the fastest growing cities in the UK, Huge regeneration set for the district will make it one of the better cities in England again. For years Bradford has failed to hit its potential, only in the last few years have things significantly improved.

United, Bradford and district will be much more compettitve due to sheer size, (we all know most of the successful urban areas are the larger ones)

West Yorkshire is fine as it is, with the independant districts.

Was in Bradford city centre recently, and sad to report my overall opinion of the centre was that it was a bit of a dump (no offence)............
One thing I really liked was I noticed some (council?) residential tower blocks with what looked like wind turbines and solar panels on the roof...

For the first part I'd like to say I could never say Bradford was a dump, perhaps in part, but not totally. To back myself up here, I've seen far worse, much much worse. My home city of Stoke-on-Trent for one, it is a 60's infested horror and there is nowhere near the sheer amount of Victorian/Edwardian architecture found in Bradford's city centre, which I personally think is very nice. They just need to fill in some of the cracks i.e. get that shopping centre built, start the channel project, blow up all the 70's architecture, NMPFT isn't too bad though (with the glass frontage), shame about the rest of the building (Wardley House + back and sides).

On the second note, I've had these reclad apartments as a view from my old University Halls for the whole of last year. I really like what they've done there and the use of Solar Panels and Wind Turbines is not only good use of renewable energy but is also a pleasant design feature, especially at night when they're illuminated in blue. Before these were plain old 60's/70's apartments so it's a vast improvement. Like to see more of it.

I agree that Bradford has some splendid buildings, Town Hall can rival any building in this country. There's still long way to go, but I think it is moving into the right direction. At least it has one (masterplan) - how many cities out there have? I wish Leeds produced one, it's about time.


On the second note, I've had these reclad apartments as a view from my old University Halls for the whole of last year. I really like what they've done there and the use of Solar Panels and Wind Turbines is not only good use of renewable energy but is also a pleasant design feature, especially at night when they're illuminated in blue. Before these were plain old 60's/70's apartments so it's a vast improvement. Like to see more of it.

Any chance of posting the pictures?

For the first part I'd like to say I could never say Bradford was a dump, perhaps in part, but not totally. ...
On the second note, I've had these reclad apartments as a view from my old University Halls for the whole of last year. I really like what they've done there and the use of Solar Panels and Wind Turbines is not only good use of renewable energy but is also a pleasant design feature, especially at night when they're illuminated in blue. Before these were plain old 60's/70's apartments so it's a vast improvement. Like to see more of it.

Sorry for slaging it off! I was only commenting as a visitor for half a day to the city centre. Though I can't have seen it all, and the park/bars/big screen was nice the rest (except the newish looking shopping centre) did appear of low standard. Believe me I would love to see Bradford revitalised - if only for the benefits to Leeds!...
As for the wind/solar powered towers - they actually make those old tower blocks look really good and 'futuristic'. I think this should be made law on all new builds where reasonably possible, along with rainwater recyling. Anyone got any pics/further info? Does the green energy power a large % of the towers needs?

Leeds has lots of masterplans for different areas; don't think the city centre really needs one- its developing enough. Bradford needs a masterplan to spark private investment.

One of the most prominent Bradford buildings, the 13 st University building is currently getting a major revamp and re-clad, turning it from a dowdy grey lump into a bright, smart looking landmark building. An excellant change that's going to help that end of central Bradford no end.

Leeds has lots of masterplans for different areas; don't think the city centre really needs one- its developing enough. Bradford needs a masterplan to spark private investment.

The current Masterplan already in place for Bradford City Centre is already levering in signifcant private investment into Bradford.

Leeds over the last 10 years has really shown the way forward, and Leeds City Centre is a good example of a successful, vibrant city centre.

(masterplan)... I wish Leeds produced one, it's about time.


It does, sort of - the Koetter Kim development framework.

http://www.koetterkim.com/

Any chance of posting the pictures?

I'm sorry I don't know how to put up pictures, if someone could help that'd be great and I'll put one up.

(except the newish looking shopping centre)...
As for the wind/solar powered towers - they actually make those old tower blocks look really good and 'futuristic'. I think this should be made law on all new builds where reasonably possible, along with rainwater recyling. Anyone got any pics/further info? Does the green energy power a large % of the towers needs?

I read somewhere it powers half of the lights in the building and I suppose the illumination of the solar panels and wind turbines at night.

You can upload a picture to http://imageshack.us/ and then insert a link to it here (there's an Insert Image button).

It does, sort of - the Koetter Kim development framework.

http://www.koetterkim.com/

Yes, it's better than nothing, yet it is more like a study than a proper city/area development masterplan, like Airedale Masterplan developed by ARUP - great document I'd say. Here's a link if someone interested http://www.airedalepartnership.org/masterplan.asp .

I wish Leeds produced one, it's about time.


Not a masterplan exactly, but 'Skyline Leeds' tall buildings policy from Leeds City Council, coming soon.

Double post :bash:

Not a masterplan exactly, but 'Skyline Leeds' tall buildings policy from Leeds City Council, coming soon.

Don't like the sound of that? Anyone know what it is exactly? Sounds like a rigid set of rules/regulations/guidelines limiting the location, height, design and use to me? Or am I just too cynical?

Any chance of posting the pictures?

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6875/ecofriendlyapartmentsep0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here's those apartment blocks, sorry about the photo being a bit dark, it was taken late afternoon from the train on the way to Leeds.

Thanks!

One of the most prominent Bradford buildings, the 13 st University building is currently getting a major revamp and re-clad, turning it from a dowdy grey lump into a bright, smart looking landmark building. An excellant change that's going to help that end of central Bradford no end.

Ah The Richmond Building, I have some classes here. I must agree, it was a horrible old 60's building, although most of it is still very 60's, the first stage has been completed with the front entrance part done. The photo from Skyscrapernews.com shows this very prominantly, with it contrasting with the College Old Building:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3682/bradforduniversitypic2yh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3948/thehubla0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

There's also this new atrium they dubbed 'The Hub' joining on to the Richmond Building, which is currently in production and should be ready for the next academic year (September). It's interesting, but I'd prefer if it'd be a bit more glass-ish or more reflective. Also they clearly should've called it 'The Whiteley Building' named after famous Bradford son Richard Whiteley, commemorating his life. At the opening ceremony they could've played the countdown theme tune and at the final gong Carol Vorderman could've cut the ribbon...Just a thought.