The Broadway Bradford
Shopping Center | Bradford | England | United Kingdom
Largest shopping center in Bradford
The "The Broadway Bradford" shopping center in Bradford, England, is one of the largest and most modern shopping centers in West Yorkshire and a central part of Bradford's city center. It opened on November 5, 2015, after a long and tumultuous development period that lasted over a decade. Construction originally began in 2004 but was interrupted by the global financial crisis in 2008, leading to the site being known for years as the "Bradford Hole" – a deep construction pit that was unpopular with the public and even sparked protests. It wasn't until January 2014 that development resumed under the leadership of the Westfield Corporation, which operated the center in its first year. Today, it is owned by New River and managed by Munroe K Asset Management Ltd. With construction costs of approximately £260 million and a retail space of around 53,000 square meters, it ranks among the most significant retail projects in the region, creating about 2,500 jobs.
Shopping and dining in Bradford
The shopping options at "The Broadway" include over 90 stores, offering a wide range of retail choices. Major retailers include well-known brands like Marks & Spencer, Primark, Next, H&M, and JD Sports, which serve as anchors and make the center attractive to a broad audience. Other recognizable names include Superdry, Schuh, Kiko Milano, River Island, HMV, and Goldsmiths, covering fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and entertainment. Many of these retailers have relocated from more traditional parts of the city center, like the Kirkgate Centre or Darley Street, highlighting the center's significance as a new commercial hub. The variety ranges from high-street favorites to specialized shops, making it suitable for both everyday shopping and targeted purchases.
Entertainment options at Broadway Center
In addition to shopping, "The Broadway" also offers extensive dining and leisure options. The food court features a range of restaurants and cafes, including options like Zizzi, Pizza Express, Sakkusamba, and Taco Bell, which offer a mix of international and British cuisine. These dining establishments make the center a popular meeting place for visitors looking to combine a meal with their shopping. For entertainment, "The Light Cinema," a boutique cinema with six screens, provides an alternative to larger multiplex cinemas and enhances the leisure offer. This combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment attracts not only local customers but also day visitors from the region.
Architecture of Broadway shopping center
The architecture of "The Broadway" is modern and functional, with a design that emphasizes brightness and accessibility. The center effectively utilizes natural light to create an inviting atmosphere, avoiding confusing layouts with multiple levels or complicated navigation elements, which makes the shopping experience relaxed and enjoyable. It features a multi-story car park with over 1,300 spaces, providing secure and affordable parking. Its location in the heart of Bradford is strategically advantageous, with two nearby train stations – Bradford Forster Square and Bradford Interchange – both within a few minutes' walk, as well as good bus connections. This transport accessibility facilitates access for both drivers and public transport users.
Features of Broadway shopping center
The history of the center is marked by delays and controversies. Planning began as early as 1998 with the Forster Square Development Partnership, but the start of construction was delayed due to a lack of anchor tenants and economic uncertainties. Between 2010 and 2014, the construction site was temporarily transformed into a public park, funded by the city, the government, and Westfield, to alleviate public dissatisfaction. The final opening in 2015, accompanied by singer Alexandra Burke, marked a turning point for Bradford and was celebrated as a "landmark" for the regeneration of the city. The center has attracted over £500 million in additional investments to the city center and increased foot traffic by about 40%.
