Well, it looks stunning. Images of Bradford's Gillespies designed Mirror Pool unveiled today definitely look the part of a world class city (click on the continue reading button below for more images). But, it's been a long journey here. It was back in 2003 that Will Alsop outlined his vision for the city - Yorkshire's equivalent of Geneva. Yes, Geneva.Along the way the city's leaders have had to jettison grand plans for a shopping centre that was to be the jewel in the regeneration crown. Westfield, at least in name, still holds this development although it is in talks to sell at least 50% (£) of the asset.
This was meant to encourage other development - including offices. McAleer and Rushe's Southgate offices in the city centre are the one saving grace - although that required a £6m loan from the council to jump start it.
City leaders will probably say you need to speculate to accumulate. But look at Sheffield.
Its public realm is definitely world class and the journey from the station to the main shopping drag is a joy rather than a drudge. But its commercial development, is, like most other developments across the country, slow in appearing.
So on the one hand, good on Bradford council for sticking to its guns and getting at least one part of Alsop's vision complete. Now comes the tricky part. Back in 2009 we reported that
Yorkshire Forward had committed £15m, with a further £10m coming from the council for the City Park. However, a further £35m is needed for phase two of the project, which involves relocating the law courts.Bradford council risks creating another hole in the city centre if phase two funding cannot be secured in time.
More immediately, the council's task will be to keep its new asset shiny. Many have already been once more drawing unkind comparisons and dredging up comments made a few years ago when work was just beginning on the Mirror Pool. Back then some said they hoped it didn't go the same way as the council's other water features: a dumping ground for plastic bottles, traffic cones and carrier bags. We have the pictures to prove it.
Bradford's Mirror Pool:
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