Winner - Bradford –  City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements Scheme – Transforming Cities Fund

The visit to Bradford City Centre clearly demonstrated the strategic importance of this public realm and transport scheme and its strong alignment with the Council’s wider regeneration programme and City Centre Masterplan. The scheme plays a key role in reshaping how the city centre functions, with a clear focus on increasing footfall, supporting economic vitality and improving health and wellbeing through the delivery of high quality, accessible public space.

The scale and quality of the public realm improvements are particularly impressive. The transformation of previously vehicle dominated routes into pedestrian focused spaces has improved connectivity across the city centre.

Active travel has been strongly prioritised through the delivery of the super cycleway, which connects seamlessly into wider networks beyond the city centre. The provision of LNER bike stands throughout the area demonstrates an inclusive and practical approach to encouraging cycling, and it was particularly positive to observe these facilities in active use during the visit. This indicates that the scheme is successfully influencing travel behaviour rather than merely providing infrastructure.

The public realm and garden spaces are clearly functioning as intended, offering areas for rest, play and informal social activity. The visible use of these spaces by young families during our visit highlighted the success of the scheme in creating welcoming, well used environments.

The role of planners and the strength of collaboration across the Council and partner organisations was evident throughout. 

Commended - Base71 Youth Zone by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

A great example of brownfield land redevelopment. The community engagement was also impressive and shows how communities can be involved