UK-based construction company Muse has submitted plans for the first phase of the City Village regeneration project.
The project is aimed at transforming Bradford's former commercial centre into an urban neighbourhood.
The project is led by the English Cities Fund (ECF), a public-private partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse.
The project is set to be constructed across the ‘Top of Town’ area, which encompasses the Oastler, Kirkgate, and Chain Street sites.
The City Village project is set to introduce up to 1,000 residential units, including affordable housing options.
The development will also focus on supporting existing independent businesses and incorporating spaces for retail, leisure, and commerce, Muse said in a statement.
Key features of the project include the creation of new public areas, with three landscaped green spaces designed to integrate with the Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvement Scheme.
A detailed planning application for the initial phase, along with an outline for the entire site, has been submitted.
The first phase of the project involves several key components, including the construction of 33 townhouses on the Chain Street site, which will be centred around a new community green.
These homes will offer two- and three-bedroom options, each with an allocated parking space.
Furthermore, 64 additional townhouses are proposed for the northern Oastler site, arranged around courtyards and green spaces, also with designated parking.
Earlier this year, Incommunities, a Bradford-based affordable housing provider, was chosen as ECF's preferred funding partner for the first phase of townhouses, pending a final legal agreement.
Future phases of the City Village plan include over 300 apartments on the southern Oastler site and approximately 400 apartments on the Kirkgate site.
Over the past 18 months, ECF has collaborated with Bradford Council to develop these plans, following community consultations.
The project has secured £13.2m ($17.91m) via in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, along with £30m from the UK government via Homes England.
ECF director of development management Yorkshire and North East Simon Dew said: “The design of these homes - taken from the experience of our other award-winning communities across the country - include sustainable elements such insulation, photovoltaic panels and EV [electric vehicle] charging to ensure they are as energy efficient as possible.
“These are high-quality homes with gardens, designated parking and good connections to public transport links as well as new walking and cycling routes.
“This is an ambitious, visionary project and working in partnership with the council, we have the very best team working to bring it forward. We are all extremely proud of what it will mean for future generations in Bradford.”
Pending approval, demolition at the Oastler site is expected to commence later this year, with construction on the first phase set for early 2026.
The broader project team for Bradford City Village includes 5plus Architects, re-form Landscape Architecture, Avison Young, Cushman & Wakefield, and Turner & Townsend.
