Bradford’s Top of Town Public Realm, Bradford for City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council with Turner & Townsend, Eric Wright Civil Engineering, Gavin Jones Ltd, Social Communication Group, Public Sector Access Limited, National Lottery Heritage Fu

The Top of Town Public Realm Improvements project reimagined the area as a sustainable, inclusive public space, reconnecting the community with its heritage. It features multi-use spaces like North Parade with street markets and cultural events, enhanced outdoor seating, improved lighting and wider pavements for better accessibility. The project delivered 0.8 hectares of rehabilitated land and 1.4 hectares of new blue-green infrastructure for social interaction, safety and accessibility.

 *Public Space is supported by Vestre*

Who is on the project team? (designer, consultants, etc)

Civil Engineers - Bradford Council Highways, Design and Construction  

Health and Safety - Turner & Townsend  

Contractor -  Eric Wright Civil Engineering

Landscape Contractor -  Gavin Jones Ltd 

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

Bradford’s Top of Town is a historic neighbourhood steeped in heritage, boasting grand Victorian architecture rooted in its prominence as the wool textile capital of the world, known as “Worstedopolis.” Once a vibrant shopping district, it had faced decline due to changes in the national retail sector, leaving its streets disconnected and underutilized. The area’s potential was further obscured by a lack of green spaces, dominance of cars, and an absence of vibrant public places. Home to iconic landmarks like the statue of Richard Oastler, a pioneer of social reform, and a cluster of listed buildings, the Top of Town reflects Bradford’s rich history but also its challenges. The once-thriving community risked being overshadowed by a sense of neglect, anti-social behaviour, and urban harshness. However, the future of this neighborhood is driven by independent businesses, an emerging residential community, and a shared vision to restore its vibrancy. The Top of Town Public Realm Improvements project was envisioned to reimagine this area as a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving people-centered public space. By transforming Top of Town and enhancing the urban landscape, the project reconnected the community with their heritage while setting the foundations for broader regeneration of the city, including the City Village initiative and positioning the area as an aspirational, accessible, and environmentally sustainable place for people to live, work, and play.

Tell us what you did and how it was designed and delivered. Please explain the governance of the project.

The Top of Town Public Realm Improvements transformed 2 hectares of Bradford’s streetscape into a vibrant, people-focused environment. The £3m project reimagined the area with a comprehensive strategy that blended heritage conservation, sustainability, and community engagement. Key interventions included the introduction of Yorkstone pavements and granite framed rain gardens to enhance the setting of listed buildings and create sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Native plant species and semi-mature trees were integrated to, improve air quality, and foster biodiversity. The setting of the statue of Richard Oastler was redeveloped into a greener pocket park, reclaiming its prominence as a historic landmark. Governance was driven by a multi-agency collaboration under the Bradford City Centre Townscape Heritage Scheme. Early public engagement played a pivotal role, bringing together residents, local businesses, and schools. Workshops allowed young people to explore heritage themes, culminating in a Cartwright Hall Art Gallery exhibition. Community feedback informed the design, ensuring the space resonated with its users. Partnerships with initiatives like Born in Bradford integrated health considerations into the project, aligning urban design with wellness goals. Flexibility was designed into the scheme, with rising bollards on North Parade enabling pedestrianized street events, supporting the area’s growing cultural and business activities.

How does this public space bring people together, encourage inclusivity, and make a positive environmental impact to the wider place? 

The Top of Town Public Realm Improvements were designed as a catalyst for community cohesion, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing pedestrian-friendly spaces and integrating green infrastructure, the project has reconnected the area’s rich heritage with its diverse population, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. The space brings people together through flexible, multi-use areas such as North Parade, where rising bollards enable vibrant street markets and cultural events. Outdoor seating, improved lighting, and wider pavements encourage social interaction while enhancing safety and accessibility for all, including wheelchair users and families. Inclusivity was embedded from the outset through community engagement. Local schools explored the area’s history with artists and the Museums Service, bringing a fresh perspective to the design process. Feedback from residents and businesses was sought throughout the duration of the project form pre-design public consultation through to on site contractor and design team liaison meetings. Community engagement has ensured that the project reflects the aspirations of those it serves. Environmental sustainability was central to the project. Rain gardens and street trees manage surface water, reduce flood risk, and enhance biodiversity, creating habitats for pollinators. The greener streetscape mitigates urban heat and promotes active travel, reducing car dependency.