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The Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford, which was built in 1976, is to be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development. The Architect’s Journal reports that the Brutalist concrete structure was described as ‘space age’ when it was first built, although a landmark Victorian market was demolished to make way for it.
The huge Kirkgate Centre was designed by John Brunton & Partners, who were responsible for similar inner-city malls, including Manchester’s unloved Arndale Centre. The Manchester mall has been redeveloped since being badly damaged in the IRA bomb blast in 1996. The Bradford site is now blighted by many empty retail units.
The city council have purchased the Kirkgate Centre for £15.5 million. Announcing their plans, they explained that the building had ‘aged rapidly.’ The remaining major retailers, including Primark and Sports Direct, will move to Bradford’s newest shopping centre, the Broadway, which opened seven years ago.
The move is part of the council’s ‘City Village’ vision for the regeneration of Bradford, which will see new residential developments designed to attract young families, professionals, and international students. There will also be integrated open green spaces, and more sustainable transport links to the city centre.
Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: ‘We’re heading into a very different world post-pandemic. Good local authorities up and down the country are using their assets and resources to shape their local economy to make them vibrant and sustainable well into the future. This is what we’re doing here in Bradford in taking on this major anchor site.’
The Bradford Civic Society has commented on the plans, drawing comparisons with the well-loved Lockwood and Mawson Victorian market which was demolished in the 1970’s to make way for the Brutalist concrete Kirkgate Centre. Despite many residents of the city considering it ugly, it still drew in shoppers until recent decades.
Alan Hall, Vice Chair of the Society, said: “The recent news that it will soon be demolished as part of grand city centre regeneration plans may have come as a surprise to some, but others will wryly note is a case of history repeating itself.”
He added: “But, to be as brutal as Kirkgate slabs of concrete that tower over central Bradford, it simply isn’t fit for purpose in a fast-changing place like Bradford. There isn’t a town or city in the UK that is struggling with retail over-supply right now, and the days of a central business district enjoying multiple branches of the same shop are all but gone.”
“Bradford will breathe a sigh of relief when it is able to successfully consolidate all its high street offer into one modern, flexible space, and free-up our beloved heritage buildings for independent shopping, food, drink and, of course, culture.”
A new market place will be constructed on Darley Street, and the Odeon Theatre will be redeveloped into Bradford Live, a live music venue with a 3,800 capacity, and new bar areas across multiple floors.
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