“It is not how good the coach was, it is the ambition of the player and how much he wants it. Coaches do not make great players.”
Marcelo Bielsa
Great news recently that Yorkshire had scored more Michelin Star restaurants than in many a decade. Meanwhile in Bradford, the former site of the Bradford Arms on Bowling Back Lane is the subject of a new planning application. It calls for a 72 square metre shipping container to be installed on the site…to operate as a drive thru restaurant.
Capital of Culture bid is in the bag!
A Roll Of The Dice
As city centres face a period of unprecedented change, Bradford appears to be pinning its hopes for a revitalisation on a scheme that is horribly flawed. The plan to spend £23m and some on a new market replaces the old Marks & Spencers on Darley Street, once the jewel in the retail crown of Bradford.
Given the state of Darley Street now, a row of boarded up stores, something has to be done but claims that a new market on Darley Street will be the “heart” of Bradford’s new “City Village” – see this article – are woefully naive. Indeed, they demonstrate the utter lack of commercial nous within t’Council.
The market will replace one at the top of town – The Oastler – but tell me when you can last remember shopping there? There are numerous issues not thought through, not least the fact that this is replacing like for like in a changing world.
Are the traders likely to be able to afford the rents in the new market? Does the new market want them as it tries to attract a new customer base…as it surely must? How will those shopping downhill at The Broadway be enticed uphill this new market?
Masterplan – Another One
As usual there is no private sector money here just the Council propped up – as with other projects – by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority; same people, same money, same paucity of thought.
They are calling this the City Village Scheme. Once the market is filled with thousands of well-heeled punters enjoying the numerous sushi bars – scheduled for June 2023 – the Oastler Market will be demolished to make way for a development of around 1,000 homes.
But here’s a telling quote from the article: Although the City Village has been in the planning stages for years, very little information about what it will look like has been released by Bradford Council.
That’s because they have not got a clue.
A Suggestion
Firstly, 1,000 “houses” is ludicrous. “Phase 1 will replace the existing, outdated 1970’s Oastler market hall, releasing the largely Council owned 3.5 hectare site, which will become the primary residential development opportunity within the City Village.
Anecdotally, the average number of new houses per hectare is circa 50.
Additionally, the proposed polishing of the turd that is High Point – see How To Polish A Turd – defines their aspirations here. The only way is up with yet more high-density living in the clouds.
If they want a marker for how to do it well, take a look at Hull, a city with many comparisons to Bradford i.e. down and out longer than anyone can remember.
Take a look at this development – Hull’s Fruit Market – a mix of retail and residential that smacks of quality rather than a refugee camp. So why don’t Bradford attempt something similar?
The proposed location of the City Village has as much appeal as Baghdad. Who are you really hoping will up sticks and live here in a shoebox in the clouds?
Ironical too that there is already a market within the adjacent Kirkgate Centre which will shut with no plans for its future? Alternatively, the streets between The Oastler and Kirkgate Market, whilst run-down, contain some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. They are begging for salvation.
So here’s an idea; why not seek to redevelop these as new homes for traders at low rents; what else are you going to do bar watch them continue to rot? Is it fanciful to imagine a mini Piece Hall as in Halifax? Or have we simply no imagination in Bradford?
When You Know You Are Old
Perhaps its lockdown fever but Zoom talk turned last Sunday night to a trip. You know you are getting old when three days in Whitby with a bunch of farting, snoring, drunken old bums makes your heart fill to the brim.
Roll on October.
The Trumpit
I’m absolutely delighted to say that The Trumpit will soon have a website – bloody ‘eck! A big thank you to those of you who have supported this little magazine and plug for local web designer – see webphizix.co.uk – if you are looking for someone good here’s your man.
The Duchess
We say our final goodbyes to our beautiful Babsy next week; if you can spare a few quid in her memory to assist two local charities please donate here.
Thank you.
Graham Morgan says
Put me down for the next walk please.