The
Channel scheme
CELEBRATIONS were today
underway as The Channel scheme cleared the final
hurdle on its route to reality.
Harold Robinson, director of Bradford Channel
Limited, the company behind the £350m scheme, and
Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre
Regeneration, raised their glasses to the success of
the venture.
And what more fitting beverage for the toast than a
drop of the soft stuff . . . water . . .as The
Channel will see the reintroduction of water to the
city centre via a stunning canal basin and a series
of exciting water features.
The plan has been cleared to go forward by
Government Office and, with planning already agreed
by Bradford City Council, Bradford Channel Limited
will now be able to begin planning the first phase
of the scheme.
As with all huge developments it will take time to
ensure all the necessary land and infrastructure
issues are dealt with but work has already started
on detailed plans for the first buildings.
The Channel is part of one of the four
“neighbourhoods” set out within the overall Alsop
masterplan for central Bradford and will be the
first delivered with building work beginning early
next year.
The landmark scheme, designed by Bradford-based
Robinson Design Group, features two towers of 16 and
24 storeys as well as a covered winter garden with
cafés, bars and exhibition areas to provide a
year-round leisure facility.
Dr Robinson said: “We are now under starter’s orders
and have the all clear to move forward. After years
of negotiations and planning it is a very exciting
time for us and for the city of Bradford.
“We say our aim is to create a living, breathing
urban village where real people can make a home,
earn a living and have fun – and that is not just
developer speak!
“I am personally extremely pleased to be associated
with the regeneration and renaissance of Bradford –
which is now listed as one of the UK’s fastest
up-and-coming property investment hotspots.
“I have always lived and worked in this area, my
companies are based here and now I get to help to
mould the future of the city that is so close to my
heart,” he said.
Bradford Channel Limited is a consortium headed by
Dr Robinson’s Bradford-based Magellan Properties.
Maud Marshall, chief executive for Bradford Centre
Regeneration, said: “This is an extremely important
and positive step forwards for the city and the
regeneration programme. The Channel will play a
significant part in Bradford’s renaissance and help
to create a city that has real impact and
distinction.
“The Channel is an ambitious scheme that
encapsulates everything that is at the heart of the
city’s regeneration programme. It offers a vibrant
space in which a sustainable community can grow,
live, learn and play in.
“I am looking forward to seeing the next stages of
the development progress and seeing The Channel
evolve into a unique waterside community that the
city can be really proud of.”
Cllr Andrew Mallinson, portfolio holder for
regeneration, said: “It is great to see a local
business that knows the Bradford district so well
and has witnessed both good and bad times here now
having the confidence to invest in our future.
“We are delighted to be associated with such a key
project and are looking forward to working with
Magellan Properties to bring it to fruition."
The 5.3-hectare scheme will ultimately create a
mixture of apartments, shops, cafes, bars,
restaurants, offices, a hotel, leisure and
healthcare facilities - all based around the theme
of water.
The design also provides links to existing
facilities within the city, such as Forster Square
Station, the new Broadway Shopping Mall and the fast
emerging Little Germany residential and office
community.
Email:
angus.hoy@coolbluebrand.com
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Editor's Note: Bradford Channel Ltd provide:-
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Bradford Channel Ltd - The Channel . . . the toast of Bradford
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