Bradford park and ride work set to begin despite funding gap

Computer image showing the planned route improvements

Work on a park and ride in Bradford is expected to continue despite no funding being available for the car park.

The proposal includes an almost 700-space car park created near the M606, with a new bus hub and improved bus routes on Manchester Road.

The scheme is set to cost more than £33m but only £12m is available, according to a report to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

WYCA is expected to approve the scheme, with car park work starting later.

A report, which will be handed to WYCA's transport committee at a meeting on Friday, sets out details of the scheme and how work will progress.

The site of the former Richard Dunn Sports Centre, which was damaged in an arson attack, is the preferred location for the car park

Phase one will see improvements including two new bus lanes stretching 1.2km (0.75 miles) and four improved bus stops.

A new pedestrian and cycle crossing point will be added to the junction of Senior Way and Croft Street.

The first phase is being funded through the government's Transforming Cities Fund - the same pot of cash that is funding the current pedestrianisation work in the city centre.

Although there is currently no funding for the car park, the report sets out the preferred option being the Richard Dunn Sports Centre site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report states that phase two of the scheme, which includes the car park, terminal building and cycle lanes, is expected to follow when a further £21.5m becomes available.