The Broadway Bradford: A History of Development and Transformation
The Broadway is a cornerstone of retail and leisure in Bradford, representing one of the most complex urban redevelopment projects in the city's recent history. Spanning 51,096 m² (570,000 sq ft), the centre was designed to revitalize the city core by integrating over 90 shops and various leisure facilities into a modern hub.
The Origins of the Partnership
The journey began in 1998 with the formation of the Forster Square Development Partnership. This collaborative effort involved Magellan Properties, Caddick Developments, and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. The ambitious plan aimed to attract major retailers such as Primark, Next, and River Island to the heart of the city.
Ownership of the project shifted over time. The original partnership eventually sold the development to Stannifer, which was subsequently acquired by the Westfield Group in December 2004.
Planning and Early Setbacks
Planning permission was officially granted on September 10, 2003, accompanied by projections that the development could create up to 3,000 new jobs. Demolition work at the Forster Square site commenced on March 18, 2004. By mid-2006, the site had been cleared, leaving behind a large expanse of rubble.
Despite initial hopes for a late 2007 opening, the project faced significant delays. A shortage of anchor tenants—the primary large-scale stores that attract the majority of shoppers—and the diversion of labor to the Westfield Derby project pushed back the construction start date. These delays became so severe that the Bradford Council threatened to reclaim control of the site from Westfield to ensure progress.
The "Mothballed" Years and Resurgence
By 2006, demolition had cleared a significant area bounded by Hall Ings, Well Street, the new Lower Kirkgate, and Charles Street. However, construction stalled for several years. In April 2010, the project was officially mothballed (put on hold), and a temporary urban park was established on part of the site. This period was marked by tension, as the site became a focal point for protesters frustrated by the lack of development.
The stalemate ended in January 2014 when the temporary park was demolished to make way for the actual construction of the shopping centre.
Grand Opening and Recent Evolution
The Broadway finally opened its doors at 10 am on November 5, 2015. The celebration featured multiple entrances: Alexandra Burke opened the Forster Square entrance, while representatives from the Bradford Burns Unit, Bradford City, and the world's longest-married couple, Karam and Kartari Chand, opened other entrances.
Since its opening, the centre has seen several shifts in its tenant lineup. Following the liquidation of Debenhams in 2021, the space remained vacant until September 2024, when Primark relocated from the Kirkgate Shopping Centre to occupy the former Debenhams unit. Additionally, the Marks and Spencer store closed on May 18, 2024.
In a major financial transition, NewRiver sold the centre to the Eurofund Group in March 2026 for £70 million.
Key Facts
- Total Area: 51,096 m² (570,000 sq ft).
- Capacity: Designed for over 90 shops and leisure facilities.
- Opening Date: November 5, 2015.
- Recent Sale: Sold to Eurofund Group for £70 million in March 2026.
- Job Creation: Originally estimated to create 3,000 new jobs.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Forster Square Development Partnership established. |
| 2003 | Planning permission approved (Sept 10). |
| 2004 | Demolition begins (March 18); Westfield Group acquires project (Dec). |
| 2010 | Project mothballed; temporary urban park created. |
| 2014 | Construction resumes in January. |
| 2015 | Official opening (Nov 5). |
| 2026 | Sold to Eurofund Group for £70 million. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns The Broadway?
As of March 2026, the centre is owned by the Eurofund Group, which purchased it from NewRiver for £70 million.
Why was the construction of the centre delayed for so long?
The delays were primarily caused by a lack of anchor tenants and the allocation of workforce resources to the Westfield Derby project.
What happened to the temporary park on the site?
The temporary park, which existed from 2010 after the project was mothballed, was demolished in January 2014 to allow construction to resume.
Which major stores have recently changed locations or closed?
Debenhams closed in 2021 due to liquidation, and Marks and Spencer closed on May 18, 2024. Primark relocated from the Kirkgate Shopping Centre to the former Debenhams unit in September 2024.
How many jobs was the development expected to create?
At the time planning permission was approved in 2003, it was claimed that 3,000 new jobs could be created.