Bradford Council is pleased to announce that following the signing of the formal construction contract with Kier, the redevelopment of the city centre markets is now set to begin.
The project will commence with the demolition of several vacant properties on Darley Street taking place between April and December this year to make way for the construction of the new market that is expected to be ready for completion and tenant fit out from Summer 2023.
The new Darley Street Market is a direct intervention by Bradford Council to relocate Oastler and Kirkgate Market to Darley Street, offering three floors of non-food, fresh food and hot food and drink, in a central location between Broadway Centre and Kirkgate Centre, designed to reshape and reinvigorate Bradford city centre. In addition, a new market square will host ad-hoc commercial, leisure and community events throughout the year.
The market’s hot food and drink offer will provide seating for up to 500 customers and include a stage for day and evening entertainment. The hot food offer which will follow an independent, street food style concept, will provide informal indoor and outdoor communal seating to allow customers to linger and experience the theatre of markets.
The Covid-19 pandemic meant essential structural surveys were unable to be undertaken, which were essential in order to finalise the building design and ensure the adjoining buildings would be structurally stable when several properties on Darley Street are demolished. The safety of the site and the surrounding area has been the primary concern of the council as the project begins.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw commented: "We’re delighted Kier are joining the team to deliver Darley Street Market and reshape such a historic part of Bradford city centre. Their commitment to social value through apprenticeships and school & colleges are a real testament to the Council’s social value policy when contracting partners and it’s great to have them on board.
He continued, "The new market and the regeneration of the area has been designed to positively impact Bradford and become a new key shopper destination in the city centre. After what we know has been a tough year for the city and for many local independent traders, we hope the markets’ redevelopment will show the council’s commitment to support these traders with the new market square will be a quality public space for the whole district to enjoy."
Dan Doherty, regional director at Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, said: "We are pleased to be starting on site and we look forward to working collaboratively with Bradford Council, as well as our local supply chain to deliver this important project."
Committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the areas in which it builds, Kier, will work with the council to engage with local residents and host a number of engagement events within the community to showcase the fantastic roles available within the built environment. This will include events with residents, site visits, work experience placements and apprentice roles.
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