People are being asked to have their say on plans to improve access at Bradford Interchange as part of a public consultation launched today.
The scheme, which is being delivered in partnership by Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to transform access to the area and improve the Interchange as a key gateway to the city.
It plays a vital role in the ambitious plans to boost the regeneration of Bradford city centre, and integrates with other transport plans, including those to improve walking and cycling access in the city centre.
To facilitate the works, the NCP car park on Hall Ings will start to be demolished later this year.
The proposals include:
- A new pedestrian route to the station directly from Hall Ings and construction of a small park where the NCP car park currently is. A walkway would then be created between Hall Ings and Bridge Street.
- Relocating the taxi rank to Bridge Street to allow the front of the station to be pedestrianised. Disabled parking would also be provided adjacent to the Interchange entrance on Bridge Street.
- Better waiting areas, signage, and safety and security improvements, such as a new help point, lighting and handrails.
- Additional facilities such as baby changing, a multi-faith room and new ‘Changing Places’ facilities to support people with disabilities.
- A new entrance to the underground car park to make it easier and safer to get to the Interchange.
- A new cycle hub nearby with options to increase space for up to 75 bikes in the future.
Commenting on the proposals, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said:
“These exciting proposals would transform the way residents and visitors enter the city centre from the Interchange and give everyone a great first impression of our city. The current entrance is uninspiring and first impressions will be particularly important when we become the UK City of Culture in 2025.
“The scheme enhances the area around the station in combination with the City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements Scheme and guarantees the Interchange is futureproofed so that we can ensure it is used to its full potential for many years to come.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said, “We are investing millions of pounds to transform Bradford and make it easier for people to get around by walking, cycling and using public transport.
“This is a great example of how together we are making the city an even better place to live, work and visit in the run-up to the City of Culture in 2025.”
The scheme is being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which was agreed as part of the mayoral devolution deal in March 2020.
The consultation is open for four weeks, from Tuesday 1 November to Tuesday 29 November 2022.
Members of the public will be able to have their say by visiting https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/bradfordinterchange and completing a feedback form or by:
- emailing info@future-bradford.co.uk
- phoning 0808196 9119, or
- writing to Freepost BFD Highways.
