↓ Find out more
We know the District doesn’t yet have the range of arts, cultural and heritage facilities it needs. But to address this, we will take a radically different approach. We will reuse, repurpose and reimagine our existing assets first. This sustainable philosophy will turn our outdoor spaces, high streets, mills and libraries into creative spaces.
A busting crowd of people of all ages at a cultural event by The Brick Box at a former Marks and Spencer store in Bradford. At the centre a man humourously holds up a camera in the air out of reach of another person who is stretching for it. All around onlookers are laughing and smiling. Image ©Karol Wyszynski
↓
This creative approach will be even more important after COVID-19 has accelerated the crisis on our high streets.
Heritage buildings and mills are a part of Bradford’s DNA. There are numerous examples across the world of artists and entrepreneurs repurposing buildings, driving local development, increasing social capital and helping reverse industrial and retail decline. Salts Mill in Saltaire, home to a unique art collection and a partnership with David Hockney, is one of the UK’s best examples of this approach and is one of the most valued and visited assets in Bradford.
‘Value what we already have (please!)’
↓
As ever, the District isn’t short of ideas. They range from new homes for the Bradford Peace Museum and the brilliant Impressions Gallery and Fuse Arts Space to the creation of a Green Collections Hub to store and display the Museums and Galleries collections. This is a new model for the UK, combining sustainability with community access and training. There is also ambition for the radical reimagining of the famous Bradford City Hall.
↓
We need to coordinate District capital projects to attract funds for levelling up and future prosperity. Opportunities include the Towns Fund, which will benefit Keighley and Shipley, and the government’s levelling-up funds. A coherent capital plan could strengthen Bradford as a visitor destination. Creative workspaces can drive new projects, businesses and skills and training. They can also address the problem of inequality and access to culture. A capital strategy could also be a valuable part of the legacy plan for a UK City of Culture.
↓ What we'll do
The Cultural Place Partnership will coordinate a cultural capital plan for the District. Meanwhile, ‘Springback’ is an initiative by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, bringing together culture and economic development to support our high street recovery as we emerge from COVID-19 restrictions and work towards bidding for City of Culture 2025.
'Spring Back' will work with local businesses and our three Business Improvement Districts to put culture at the heart of recovery. The aim is to bring our streets, towns and neighbourhoods alive with everything from street art and festivals to window installations and pop-up markets.