Bradford City Centre A Case Study Design Matters Making Successful Places Presentation to RTPI NE 24 th Feb 2016 by Nick Ackroyd - B.A DipLA Senior City Centre Development Officer Bradford MDC Content City Centre Strategy and Plans Placemaking principles Delivery Public Realm Transport and Connectivity Built development Supporting and managemet activity Tentative Conclusions City Centre Importance to District Bradford is one of the biggest and fastest growing Districts in the UK 5 th largest economy in England The City Centre is the key location for employment in the District (1 in 6 jobs) It is the primary location for further education in the district (12,000 uni students. 20,000 college students) It is a growing location for homes and apartments (1,970 in 2011 and an estimated 4,200 residents) It has the highest concentration of visitor related facilities and services and is a key visitor destination It is the best connected location in the District It is our shop window to the world City Centre - District Priority Vision..to create a city centre to be proud of...a place that promotes pride, well-being and aspiration. City Plan a 5 Point Plan City Centre Area Action Plan Business and Entrepreneurship Education and Skills Urban Living Transport and Connectivity Destination and Experience 1
Placemaking - Definition Planning, design and management of public spaces Creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well being Contributing towards economic prosperity by creating the conditions for wealth generation Placemaking - 4 Key Components Public realm and connectivity Built development Management and maintenance Support activities Delivery Commitment to joint working Work at a range of scales Effective delivery partnerships Can do flexible approach to regulation Effective city centre management and effective marketing Clear vision, business case and priorities Effective management of funds ensuring deliverability, sustainability and effective management Public Realm Holistic Approach - Everyone owns design Places for people Make connections Work with existing assets Public Realm Streets Public Realm City Park..a place to be proud of 2
Materials and Detailing Transport and Connectivity Connecting the City Built Developments Architectural Heritage Living in Bradford City Centre Working in Bradford Commercial 3
Learning Learning In and Bradford Recreating in Bradford Destination Bradford Westfield Broadway Supporting Activities Operational management of the city centre Supporting business growth Reducing worklessness Promoting the city through City Park and a substantial events programme Operations Management Manage and maintain a clean safe and accessible city centre Coordination of all internal and external service providers Cultivated strong relationships with businesses and traders Works with Council colleagues and local and national businesses to promote the city centre Supporting Businesss Growth - City Centre Growth Zone Incentive scheme to bring new jobs and businesses to the city centre Brings empty units into productive use Supports local people 4
Finalist - Great British High Street of The Year Award 2015 North Parade Reducing Worklessness Skills House Since launching in June 2015 SkillsHouse has: Supported 342 unemployed people into work Supported over 432 people to undertake and complete pre-employment training qualifications in retail, hospitality and World Host customer services Launched in June 2015 SkillsHouse has been established to support retail, hospitality and visitor economy businesses and to help local unemployed people find jobs in retail hospitality and visitor economy Some tentative conclusions? The Bradford experience suggests that creating successful places requires:- Investor confidence leading to economic prosperity A clear vision, action plan and priorities A multi agency approach on a range of fronts Building a robust business case Rigorous project management Political support Community support Leadership and commitment Good design and maybe distinctive design Good aftercare CITY CENTRE EVENTS & LEISURE Any Questions? Thank You 5