BRADFORD city centre is showing “strong signs of recovery” with footfall up by 25 per cent, according to new data.
The figures come from the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre and closely monitors a range of performance indicators.
Data from the first quarter of 2025 – January to March – reveal that footfall has increased by a quarter compared to the same period last year.
It comes following the completion of a £48 million transformation project in the city centre and the reopening of Bradford Interchange in January, after it was forced to close due to a lump of concrete falling from the building’s structure into a basement car park in December 2023.
The city centre is now pedestrianised, removing heavy inner-city traffic, while the new Norfolk Gardens park – stretching 10,000 square metres from Bridge Street to Jacob’s Well – was finished recently.
This was all funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), with work beginning back in July 2023.
Dwell time – the amount of time people spend in the city centre – is also gradually improving, according to the data.
Bradford BID says research shows that people are more likely to stay longer in green, welcoming spaces.
The upturn in footfall and dwell time also coincides with the launch of Bradford as the UK City of Culture 2025 at the start of this year.
Jonny Noble, Chief Executive of Bradford BID, said: “There is no doubt that 2024 was a tough year for city centre businesses due to ongoing roadworks and the sudden closure of the Interchange.
“However we’re now seeing strong signs of recovery. We know there’s still work to do, and we’re under no illusions – regenerating the city centre takes time and continued effort.
“But with a packed programme of events from partners such as the BID, the UK City of Culture 2025 team, and the local authority, we’re optimistic about further increases in footfall, dwell time, and overall business confidence.”
Local traders are already noticing a difference on the ground.
One independent retailer, Terence Igbokwe, manager at Lefteris coffee shop, said: “We’ve definitely been busier over the past couple of months than at the same time last year.
“Customers keep telling us how much better the city centre looks and feels since the works were completed.
“We’d recommend people come down and see the transformation for themselves.”
With Bradford Live preparing to open its doors this autumn and Darley Street Market set to launch this summer, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the city.
Initial results for the second quarter – April to June – are already looking promising.
Preliminary footfall figures at the recent Super Soapbox Challenge were up 46 per cent on a comparative weekend.
Mr Noble said: “We already have some fantastic venues and independent businesses in place.
“The spotlight is firmly on Bradford as we celebrate our designation as UK City of Culture 2025, and we must seize every opportunity that brings. There are exciting times ahead.”
