City pedestrianisation wins further national award

Norfolk Gardens has been pedestrianised as part of the changes in Bradford city centre

A major Bradford pedestrianisation scheme has been named "national infrastructure project of the year" by a construction membership organisation.

The work, completed earlier this year, has seen traffic removed from city centre streets including Hall Ings, Market Street and Bridge Street.

The work, funded by the government's Transforming Cities Fund, was a partnership between Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

Speaking after the Constructing Excellence awards accolade on Friday, Alex Ross-Shaw, from Bradford Council, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and acknowledges that the transformation taking place in Bradford is of national importance."

The project has seen the creation of Norfolk Gardens park on Hall Ings, while other green spaces, seating and public squares have been added to other city centre locations.

The Constructing Excellence awards said the project design "honours Bradford's rich history including uncovering and re-laying old tram tracks in the plaza, with the inviting Norfolk Gardens serving as the project's focal point.

"A super crossing and inviting public plaza replaces the previously congested junctions, alongside extended green spaces, featuring new street furniture and extensive landscaping."

The works was also recognised in two categories at the Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards in October.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ross-Shaw, the authority's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said the project had also received "fantastic public feedback".

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added: "This is wonderful news and is well-deserved recognition for everybody's hard work and dedication in creating a better-connected, safer and more vibrant Bradford."

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