Pedestrianisation of Bradford streets praised

Bradford hosted The Victorian Society's annual general meeting earlier in October

Work to pedestrianise some of Bradford's main streets is helping to “reclaim” the city centre from motorists, the chair of a national heritage group said.

Members of The Victorian Society were recently given a tour of the district’s heritage buildings, including Bradford City Hall, during its annual general meeting (AGM).

Bradford Council said the newly pedestrianised areas surround the city centre's historic buildings, allowing space for events and pavement cafes.

James Grierson, the society's chair, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the new public realm would provide a “new context” for the city’s Victorian architecture.

The society is a membership organisation and charity that campaigns to protect Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and advises councils on planning applications for listed buildings.

Every year its annual general meeting is held in a different city.

Work is ongoing to pedestrianise areas around some of Bradford's historic buildings

Speaking about the Victorian Society AGM, Mr Grierson said: “The great majority of people had never been to Bradford before, and, even on a very packed schedule, we only scratched the surface.

“I struggle to think of anywhere else that has got such a collection of Victorian buildings like Bradford."

Referring to ongoing work in the city centre, he said: “I know the work to the public realm is still going on, but it seems very promising.

“I got the impression that many decades ago Bradford lost a bit of its soul to the motorcar, lots of great big roads were carved through the city centre.

"There is a feeling that this work is reclaiming the city centre for people."

Roads around Bradford's Wool Exchange are being paved for pedestrians

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said traffic-free areas "create a more accessible and sustainable city centre for all".

“The scheme incorporates high-quality paving, greenery, street trees and benches into new public spaces which encourages people to rest and relax," he said.

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