The shopping centre will close after half a century on Thursday ahead of its demolition to make way for the new “City Village” development.
History Leisure Planning and development Shopping Bradford Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area. The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood. A MEDIEVAL cross and murals created by an acclaimed artist will be removed and preserved ahead of the demolition of Bradford’s Kirkgate Shopping Centre. The shopping centre will close after half a century on Thursday ahead of its demolition to make way for the new “City Village” development. The demolition of the centre, which was built in 1976, is expected to take around 18 months. Bradford Council has this week announced that it has commissioned a conservation specialist to look at how to remove and preserve two iconic pieces from the building. Murals by William Mitchell were one of the most recognisable sights in the former Kirkgate Market, and the huge works of public art remain in the building. And Bradford’s historic Market Cross, which dates back to 1251, is also located in the building – and needs a new home. The Market Cross in Kirkgate (Image: Bradford Council) The council revealed more about the planned closure of the shopping centre this week. Most of the businesses based in Kirkgate have now shut their doors. Some have re-located to other spaces in the city centre while others, such as the Bradford branch of Boyes, have closed. On Thursday, the entire shopping centre, including its car park, will shut for good. This will be followed by an internal strip out, and then the demolition of the brutalist landmark. Once the centre is demolished, hundreds of flats will be built in its place, along with new public parks and commercial units. That development will be accompanied by a neighbouring development of flats and houses on the former Oastler Market site and on various car parks in the Chain Street area. City Village will be delivered by Bradford Council and ECF (the partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse). A statement from Bradford Council said: “A conservation specialist has been commissioned to advise on the best way to safely remove and preserve the iconic William Mitchell mural, renowned as a significant piece of public art, as well as the medieval ‘Market Cross.’ “For decades, visitors to Kirkgate Shopping Centre been welcomed by Mitchell’s striking mural, created in the 1970s. His work has adorned cathedrals and public buildings, with a number of his pieces in Bradford, such as one in the High Point building depicting Bradford landmarks. “The specialist will also advise on the sensitive removal and relocation of Bradford’s historic Market Cross which dates from 1251. "It once marked the centre of Bradford’s trade and market history, and it has been relocated several times over the years. The cross was situated near the Westgate entrance to the centre in the seventies.” The William Mitchell Mural in the former Kirkgate Market (Image: Bradford Council) Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration and Planning Cllr Andrew Judson said: “These pieces are of great significance and will be treated with the respect and care they deserve. “The Market Cross is a symbol of Bradford’s trade heritage, and it is important to preserve it as we lead the way in shaping the city centre of the future. We are exploring options which take into account both the weight and space needed to relocate the much-loved murals, and the cross.” The City Village scheme was proposed and developed by Bradford’s Labour administration. For the first time since May’s local elections that saw Reform UK take control of the council, the party has publicly confirmed that it plans to continue the project. Cllr Judson said: “City Village shows the direction of the city centre for the next 10 years – quality homes, more public spaces and balancing retail against other uses that will bring more people to the city. “The award-winning Darley Street Market is thriving and shows how Bradford is ahead of the curve in meeting the demands of changing markets. “City Village is the next step, and part of our wider strategic vision to combine community-focused development with major transport investment to create a people-centric, safer, better-connected Bradford.” Simon Dew, director of development management – Yorkshire and Northeast at ECF, explained: “Very soon, local people will be able the first signs of visible change as work begins to bring City Village to life. "The closure of the Kirkgate Shopping Centre is a milestone moment in this ambitious journey, and we’re working with the Council and our partners to make sure we’re preserving the city’s past as we move forwards to create a sustainable city centre neighbourhood where future generations can live, work and spend time.” City Village has already secured major inward investment, including £13.1 million in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and £30 million of Government funding via Homes England. The brutalist design of the shopping centre had divided opinions. On news that a demolition date had been set, a spokesperson for the 20th Century Society said: “While there’s an element of sadness to see the Kirkgate Centre close after more than half a century, Bradford must look to the future. “On balance we believe it’s the right decision to redevelop the site into a new residential quarter for the renewed city centre.”
