Sunbridge Wells Bradfords Underground plan

Bradford Tunnel Project plans go on public view

10:29am Friday 4th July 2014

Proposals for a Victorian-style underground market in the heart of Bradford's city centre are now open for the public to view, and subject to planning approval, developers say they hope to open in time for Christmas.

The 'Bradford Tunnel Project', the brainchild of Graham Hall, of Yeadon-based developers Sunbridge Wells Ltd, would see a maze of tunnels under Ivegate, Upper Miller Gate, and Sunbridge Road turned into a contemporary space with two new bars, a restaurant and 12 retail units.


Details of the privately-funded £1 million scheme are now available to view and comment on until August 1, with Bradford Council expected to make a final decision soon after.

Mr Hall said he was originally told about the historic tunnel system 20 years ago, but realised its potential when he first saw the site for himself in 2006.

"I came in to have a look and started trying to hatch ideas of what you could do down here," he said. "The idea is almost a living, working Victorian Museum, but with a contemporary feel.

"It will be like the old meeting the new."

The full complex will incorporate 43 Ivegate, 1 to 11 Upper Millergate and 38 to 44 Sunbridge Road, with developers hoping to attract young entrepreneurs with "new and exciting" businesses.


Ads by Google
1.9% Low Remortgage Rates
£150,000 Mortgage From £275/mo. Compare 1000s of Mortgage Deals Now
www.remortgagequotesonline.co.uk
1.99% Fixed Remortgage
£200,000 Mortgage From £332/mo FSA Lenders, Free Quotes No Fees
fixed-remortgage.ratezip.co.uk
"We want to give a chance to youth," said Mr Hall. "If it works, then all fair and good, but if doesn't, they won't lose a lot of money as it will be flexible monthly contracts.

"If you don't try, you never know."

The 12,000sq ft application site, formerly a prison, air-raid shelter, plumber's yard, brewery and nightclub down the years, is situated in the City Centre Conservation area, with proposed access via City Park and Sunbridge Road.

All the buildings involved above ground level are grade two listed, and the developer states it will ensure the character of the Victorian structures remain.

There would be Victorian-style units running along the tunnel's internal street with a large glass area above.

A courtyard would have an open-plan glass and steel staircase leading to Upper Miller Gate. This would be designed to bring light to the tunnel system, covered by a Victorian-style atrium entrance and exit to the shopping area below.

Students at Bradford College have been involved in designing potential interior units for the shops, and Mr Hall said a number of firms had already shown interest in renting the space.

"This would be Bradford's own Victoria Quarter, a vibrant and exciting area to make the city thrive again, all in a setting in keeping with its history and ambience," he said.

"Feedback we've had so far has been very positive, everyone has been wanting to come in and have a look around.

"The project is on-track, we've removed 490 tonnes of timber and rubble, and if the planning is approved, we can get all the tradesmen in.

"Everything is on time and on budget, and the project is going exactly how we want it to go.

"Hopefully, the whole development should be finished and open for Christmas this year."

Click to expand...

T&A said:

VIDEO: Students asked to design interiors of new bars and shops in underground Bradford tunnels


First published 06:27 Monday 24 November 2014 in News

Last updated 3 hours ago by Julie Tickner


STUDENTS have been asked to design the interiors of new bars and shops opening in a network of underground city centre tunnels.

Bradford College undergraduates have been challenged to come up with groundbreaking and creative ideas for the Sunbridge Wells development which is due to open in late February.

More than 980 tonnes of rubble have been shifted from the site which has been transformed from being dark, dingy and filled with dirt, to an open space with quirky historic features such as cell bars on show.

Course leader Sue Meniconi said the project was "amazing" and a great opportunity for students to get first-hand experience which money could not buy.

"I'm hoping this will be a flagship for other cities to explore their tunnels because most cities have them, for them to open them up and create something like this," she added.

Students and staff from the BA (Hons) interior design course previously visited the tunnels for a project involving turning disused shipping containers into retail units. They have now been back to see how work is progressing and consider how the tunnels could be developed to enhance not only the site, but also the wider regeneration of Bradford.

"It's amazing, the difference to this space," said Mrs Meniconi.

Second year student Luke Gawthorp has visited the development twice before.

"I came down last year but they've done quite a bit since then," he said.

"Last time it was full of rubble and before then it was just untouched, you couldn't get in. It was really dingy, but it's opened up a lot more."

He intends to look at the site's history and original feature to develop his interior design.

Students will pitch their work to operators of the shops and bars, giving them experience of selling, as well as designing, their proposals.

"One of the bars is going to be for students, so they're going to be designing for themselves really," said Mrs Meniconi.

"We've got some really strong students as well, so I'm confident their ideas will be used."

Students from the three-year course, which has been running for four years, have previously worked on projects with the Royal British legion and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

"We've worked with some quite prestigious organisations locally and we were just blown away by this opportunity, and because it's so local we can come by at any time."

The tunnels' main entrance will be behind City Park, but there will also be an entrance on Upper Miller Gate with a steel spiral staircase leading to the Victorian style shops, trading barrows, four bars and art space below.

Developer Graham Hall, of Yeadon-based developer Sunbridge Wells, said the £1 million project was on course to open at the end of February and the retail units would soon be advertised to interested shopkeepers.

Recent work has included using 14 tonnes of sand to blast the walls clean, drainage and laying floors.

Next the courtyard area, which will be used to display and project art, will be cleaned.

Click to expand...