Landmark Development Projects - Mixed-Use Development - Bradford, West Yorkshire
Date: 20 May 2008
A planning application has been submitted for a new £30 million mixed use development that will revitalise a derelict site in Woodside, South of Bradford city centre. In a joint venture with Leeds & Regional Properties, local developer Landmark Development Projects is proposing to build both commercial and residential accommodation on the disused site just off Halifax Road.
Prior to the submission of the application the plans have been the subject of discussion with local authority officers from Bradford City Metropolitan District Council for over 18 months to arrive at the right balance of uses for the site. Richard Morton, Director at Landmark Development Projects comments: "The land had been zoned as an employment area for over ten years and the local authority's prime objective is to maximize the amount of new employment on the site. We feel that the planning application submitted reflects this."
A total of 85,000 sq ft of new business units ranging from 1,100 sq ft upwards will provide much needed space for start up businesses in the area. To sustain land value and subsequently provide support funding for significant infrastructure to deliver the business element, the new scheme also proposes 115 residential homes.
Overall the plans will transform what is a disused allocated employment site into a pleasant environment where businesses can thrive and much needed new homes can be provided. Also by opening up the water courses throughout the site the plans will provide opportunity to enhance local wildlife in the area.
Morton continues: "The Woodside area has been starved of inward investment forcing businesses into neighbouring authorities, much to the detriment of employment in the locality. This scheme will help to address the unbalance allowing the local area to prosper.
"We recently successfully completed a comparable development in Wilsden which employed a very similar mix of uses. The business premises were all sold before completion proving there is real demand for this kind of local business accommodation. We hope that our experience at Wilsden will ensure that this development is just as successful."
A full viability report prepared by the applicant has been tested by the local authority and the developer also undertook a local public consultation earlier this year where the comments received were incorporated into the proposals. Therefore Landmark Developments are hopeful that speculative development of the commercial element can begin as early as autumn this year with its completion expected in autumn 2009.
Artist's Impression of Woodside site, to be developed near Bradford
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