Planting spree turns city centre greener

One of the planting areas which now runs along the pedestrianised Market Street

The latest phase of the pedestrianisation of Bradford city centre will create a "healthier and greener environment", a senior councillor has said.

More than 170 plants, grasses and ferns have been planted this week as part of a £45m project, which includes the closure of roads and re-routing of bus services.

In total, 24 different varieties have been planted in new purpose-built beds along Market Street.

Bradford Council said the "natural form" of the design was aimed at mimicking elements of meadows with a colour scheme of yellows, blues and purples.

The newly-planted beds run the length of Market Street in the city centre

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, the executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This latest phase of the scheme has seen an injection of greenery which is improving the biodiversity of the city centre, softening some of the hard landscaping and creating a healthier and greener environment.”

The council is working with construction partner Balfour Beatty on the wider scheme which is due to be completed before the start of the City of Culture next year.

It is being funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund provided by the Department for Transport.