City Park, Bradford - the creation of the iconic postcard
10 Dec 2009
The City Park is the signature project of the Bradford City Centre Masterplan.
It will be an iconic landmark for Bradford and a foyer to a new city centre. It will be a world class, 10 acre high quality urban park right in the epicentre
of the city. The centrepiece Mirror Pool is a highly innovative feature that can
be either fully or partially drained down to hold events, either in conjunction
with the water or totally drained for a major event for up to 10 000 people.
The site also encompasses refurbishment of the civic Centenary Square and the
development of a more tranquil green space in Norfolk Gardens.
The project will be built in high quality materials throughout, with natural
stone paving and walls. The park will also include:
- three new contemporary buildings
- a feature lighting system
- soft landscaping
- bespoke structures (museum and theatre)
Scheme objectives:
1. Put Bradford on the map
- A national destination
- A regional & local gem
- The memorable ‘postcard’ image
2. Be a place for people
- All ages & nationalities
- Cherished and used by the people of Bradford
3. Be a place for events
- A place for all types of activity
- Large & small events
4. To glue the centre together
- The pivotal link between the media museum, university and city centre
5. Be a catalyst for regeneration
- Changing the perception of Bradford
- A setting for new business
Bradford recognised the challenges and constraints with this project and the
need for a contractor who will work with them. The tender reflected this, with
a heavy bias towards partnering as well as ensuring the contractor had demonstrable
success in: managing statutory undertakers; managing the interaction between the
various trades – civil, structural, highway engineering, demolition specialists,
bespoke buildings, mechanical & electrical, water features, hard and soft
landscaping; delivering high quality products; budget and programme management;
working in a city centre; public relations; safety.Following the announcement of our award, Councillor Adrian Naylor, Executive
Member for Regeneration and Economy said: “After a rigorous procurement exercise,
Bradford Council has appointed Birse Civils Limited to build the City Park. Birse
offered us quality, value and an understanding of the city and the magnitude of
the City Park scheme”.
