In the heart of Bradford city centre, we helped deliver one of the city’s most significant regeneration programmes in a generation.
To support its ambitions to become the UK’s leading clean growth district, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council appointed Balfour Beatty via the SCAPE Civil Engineering framework to deliver a series of public realm improvement projects.
Delivered as one integrated programme of works, the award-winning scheme played a vital role in Bradford’s journey ahead of becoming UK City of Culture 2025.
Reimagining the city
Funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transforming Cities Fund programme, the scheme was made of the following projects:
City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements Scheme
We designed and created new pedestrian spaces across large areas of the city centre and major roads like Hall Ings. New green spaces and sustainable urban drainage systems were built to manage rainwater, prevent flooding, improve biodiversity and mitigate against extreme weather.
West Bradford Cycle Superhighway Extension
combined project value
projects delivered as one
We designed and built a dedicated, segregated cycle route between Bradford city centre and Thornton village, improving the connection between Bradford Royal Infirmary and Queensbury. The route, which incorporates several green spaces, was built in two phases to ensure the busier part of the route was ready for Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025.
South Bradford Targeted Bus Measures
We carried out targeted bus priority measures along the A641 to reduce travel times, improve reliability and enhance the operation of the guided bus way.
As well as helping to ease congestion and improve air quality, the scheme created a more accessible and safer city for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting better physical health and mental wellbeing.
Collaboration was the key to success
Working in the heart of a live city environment required careful planning, close collaboration and a phased delivery approach to minimise disruption for residents, businesses and visitors while maintaining access throughout construction.
Through the SCAPE Civil Engineering Framework, early contractor engagement enabled us to work as one team with Bradford Council and design partners – co-developing solutions that balanced safe and efficient delivery and brought the Council’s vision for the city to life.
The result is a more connected, accessible and visually improved city centre that supports Bradford’s future growth while creating spaces people want to spend time in.
Delivering lasting social value
Creating positive impact for local communities was central to the programme.
Throughout delivery, we prioritised local employment, supplier engagement and education initiatives to ensure investment in the scheme also created opportunities for the people and businesses of Bradford.
We worked with local schools, colleges and community organisations, supporting skills development, employability initiatives and careers engagement activities designed to inspire the next generation to consider careers in construction and infrastructure.
By using local suppliers and maintaining close engagement with businesses throughout the works, the project also helped support the local economy during delivery.
Award-winning regeneration
The completed programme has since received industry recognition through 14 industry award wins, reflecting the collaborative approach, quality of delivery and long-term impact of the transformation works.
By transforming the city’s public spaces, improving connectivity and making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport, we helped create a more welcoming destination for residents, businesses and visitors for generations to come.