Plans to create a new district in Bradford which will double the size of the city centre have taken a step forward.
As part of its Bradford Showcase event, which is running alongside this year’s UKREiiF regeneration forum, Bradford Council announced that global consultancy Arup has been commissioned to create the master plan for the future of Southern Gateway.
The Southern Gateway has been earmarked as one of the biggest regeneration sites in the UK, powered by £4.5bn in transport upgrades, including Mass Transit and a new Bradford rail station.
This is a transformational opportunity bringing with it huge economic and social benefits. The inner-city Southern Gateway site, with borders along Manchester Road and Leeds Road, will offer high-quality, high-density office, commercial and residential developments alongside new public realm and green spaces.
The master plan, which is expected to be created over 12 months, will deliver specific proposals, taking into account the requirements of the development, as well as respecting the city’s heritage and generating landscape enhancements.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will drive growth for the district, strengthen supply chains, boost productivity and attract private investment, ensuring Bradford thrives in a competitive landscape.
“The master plan will create a tangible, detailed proposal from street level right the way up to how the new district will work within the city as a whole, and it will be key in terms of attracting future investment.
“Bradford is the largest city without direct access to the major north-south rail lines. A new ‘through’ rail station in the Southern Gateway is critical to delivering the social and economic benefits of faster travel between regional economic hubs and also to London.
“It will unlock opportunities for young people, with faster, easier access to jobs, apprenticeships, and universities. It means more choices, more freedom, and clearer paths to success – connecting young people to the skills, careers, and futures they deserve.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “Bradford’s Southern Gateway represents one of the biggest and most exciting regeneration opportunities in the UK.
“With the potential for 5,000 new homes, alongside a new through station and new tram line to Leeds, these plans will grow our economy and ensure our region can prosper for years to come.
“Working with Arup and Bradford Council, we can put more money in people’s pockets, and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Associate director at Arup, Niall Bourke said: “The Southern Gateway Masterplan reflects the city of Bradford’s vision and commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future.
“Building on the progress already made, Arup will work closely with the Council, local stakeholders and communities to develop a plan that reflects Bradford’s heritage and identity while enabling future growth through investment in infrastructure and public space.
“With the future rail station and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s mass transit plans providing momentum, the masterplan will set out a clear path for new homes, jobs, cultural opportunities and improved connectivity, strengthening the case for further investment and supporting the long-term transformation of the city and wider region.”
Proposals have been agreed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for the Mass Transit tram system running between Leeds and Bradford. It is hoped the early construction stage of the project will begin in 2028.
Phase one would include two lines serving Leeds and Bradford and the Bradford Line would run from Leeds city centre to Bradford city centre, also linking Bradford Forster Square with the planned new Bradford rail station. The ambition is for six trains an hour to run to Leeds, with a journey time as short as 12 minutes, with a 30-minute journey time to Manchester.
The project is a major part of the next phase of Bradford’s regeneration, which so far has seen the delivery of the Broadway shopping centre, a £45m pedestrianisation scheme funded through the Transforming Cities Fund, One City Park, Bradford Live entertainment venue, and Darley St Market (which now frees up land for the City Village development) as well as Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture 2025.
