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Eddisons' Local Lens: Bradford

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Welcome to Eddisons' Local Lens, a series designed to provide an in-depth exploration of key locations where our expertise and on-the-ground experience make a difference.

12/11/2024

Updated 12th November 2024

Named the 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford in West Yorkshire is renowned for its deep industrial roots, diverse community, and thriving cultural environment, despite often being overshadowed by larger counterparts.

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The Industrial History of Bradford

Bradford emerged as a textile manufacturing powerhouse, flourishing during the Industrial Revolution and earning the title of the ‘wool capital of the world’. Over the course of the 1800s, the rise in demand for worsted wool fuelled the initial rapid expansion and industrialisation of the town, laying the foundation for its evolution into the dynamic city that it is today.

At the turn of the 19th Century, Bradford was a remote town of approximately 13,000 people where cloth was domestically woven by handloom weavers. By the 1850s, it boasted a population of over 100,000 people, with over 70 worsted mills producing an estimated two-thirds of the nation's wool.

Since the decline in textile manufacturing during the mid-20th century, largely due to a reduced demand and increased overseas competition, the city has since transformed, with its’ local community and economy having expanded and diversified.

Bradford's Vibrant Culture and Architectural Heritage

Better known today as the ‘curry capital’ of the nation, Bradford’s former industrial glory still resonates through its streets, showcased through its grand Victorian architecture and abundance of museums.

Inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Bradford’s magnificent Italianate City Hall stands as a testament to the rich history, prominently located in the city centre. Located nearby is the Alhambra Theatre, an architectural gem known as the jewel in Bradford’s crown, hosting premier performances and West End shows. Also close is St George’s Hall, a Victorian concert hall that first opened in 1853 and now functions as a modern-day venue.

Bradford's cultural scene is as rich and diverse as its history. The city is home to the National Science and Media Museum, the most visited attraction dedicated to the evolution of media. This museum highlights Bradford's distinction as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, celebrating its significant contributions to the film industry.

Showcasing modern day architecture, the award-winning City Park opposite the City Hall features the Mirror Pool, the largest urban water feature in the UK with a 100ft water jet. With its own events programme, the park serves the city as a hub for community gatherings and occasions.

A Young and Diverse Population

Bradford is the fifth largest local authority in England with a population of 552,600 in 2022, behind Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester. This population incorporates a highly diverse ethnic mix. 32.1% identified their ethnic group within the Asian and Asian British category, placing it as the 2nd largest proportion of individuals of Asian descent in the UK.

This diversity acts as a cornerstone for Bradford’s identity, with the large South Asian community being represented through local festivals, markets, and the celebrated culinary scene, as well as homing the UK’s largest Asian retailer- Bombay Stores.

Additionally, Bradford Council states it is the youngest city in the UK. 26.3% of the population is aged under 18, presenting abundant economic opportunities driven by a vibrant workforce and potential for innovation.

Bradford’s Growing Economy

Growing by 16% between the years of 2014-2019, Bradford’s £12 billion economy is the 11th largest city economy in England. The city earned itself a ranking in the Sunday Times top 20 cities for business growth as well as being named PwC’S 2019 most improved city to live and work in.

Bradford hosts several large businesses’ headquarters including Morrisons, Hallmark Cards, Yorkshire Building Society and Yorkshire Water. With more than 16,000 businesses located in the district, the district employs approximately 250,000 across the UK, generating a turnover exceeding £30 billion.

Ranked fourth in the UK for manufacturing employment, the city features 1,220 businesses in the manufacturing sector, employing over 25,000 people and contributing to £1,540m to the Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2021. Other rapidly growing sectors include advanced engineering, financial and professional services, as well as the evolving digital technologies industry.

Strategic Location and Transportation Development

Situated in the heart of West Yorkshire, Bradford enjoys a strategic geographic position with easy access to major cities such as Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield. This is supported by extensive rail connections and the M606 motorway, which connects to the M62.

Just eight miles away is also the fastest growing regional UK airport, Leeds Bradford Airport. With a £100 million privately funded development dubbed LBA:REGEN that began construction in 2024, the development will transform the airport’s current terminal into a more modern, efficient, and sustainable facility.

Furthermore, the substantial transport investment in Bradford will significantly enhance connectivity, fostering economic growth across the north of England. Outlined in 2024’s UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), key developments were outlined including a new £2bn rail station in the Southern Gateway, improving links between Leeds, Bradford, and Manchester, and a proposed Mass Transit tram system to facilitate regional commutes. These initiatives aim to increase accessibility, support urban regeneration, and create new opportunities for homes, offices, and cultural facilities.

Exciting City Centre Projects

Aside from the transportation upgrades, Bradford's ambitious renovation and development plans for the city centre, and beyond, present an inviting opportunity for investors and stakeholders alike. The numerous number of regeneration projects will redefine the urban landscape, boosting working and living environments while driving economic growth.

One City Park is one of Bradford’s most recent major devolvement completions, offering 56,403 sq ft of Grade A office space in the city centre following a £35 million project. Boosting its profile as a desirable employment destination, the newly built working environment did not go unnoticed as PwC took the spot as the anchor tenant.

More promising developments in the pipeline include Darley Street Market, a £25 million, three-storey state-of-the-art venue for shopping, dining, and various events; Bradford Live, a £50 million regeneration project transforming the former Odeon cinema into a 4,000-capacity music venue (making it the largest mid-size venue in England outside of London); and the long-term residential project of Bradford City Village, which will build 1,000 new homes along with retail and leisure spaces, replacing the Oastler and Kirkgate shopping centres near Darley Street.

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

It is therefore to no surprise that Bradford has been selected as the 2025 City of Culture, with the designation recognising the city’s unique industrial heritage blended with modern day vibrant multicultural community, and thriving cultural scene.

The 12-month calendar has seen a total funding of £20 million to support a total of 1,000 acts and events. According to a government press release, over 15.5 million visitors are expected, bringing an estimated expenditure of £136.9 million to the local economy throughout the year. This will lead to a projected £389 million of growth to the city, supporting the ambitious expansion plans, and creating up to 6,845 new jobs by 2030.

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