The Urban Regeneration Company (URC), Bradford Centre Regeneration, was established in February 2003 to tackle the challenges faced by Bradford City Centre.

Uniting public and private sector partners, URCs are independent companies established by the relevant Local Authority and Regional Development Agency, working alongside the Homes and Communities Agency and other organisations including developers, employers, investors, amenity groups and other representative bodies.

Our principal aim is to engage the public and private sectors in a sustainable regeneration strategy. As a key first step, a clear Strategic Vision and Masterplan Framework provides a pivotal focus for the future development of the City. Bradford Centre Regeneration’s vision is to:

   • Transform the city centre as the heart of a great northern destination
   • Promote investor confidence
   • Develop and diversify the economy of the city centre
   • Create employment opportunities for the people of Bradford
   • Improve transport, parking and linkages
   • Act as an exemplar in creating a safe and enjoyable environment

The scope of the company will mean that it has two distinct roles:

Lead Role
To establish an accepted vision and strategic Masterplan for the city centre which can be integrated into the statutory planning framework. It will also promote key physical development projects alongside public, private and not-for-profit partners with emphasis in the period of this plan on bringing early impact in terms of delivery. A major role will be the engagement of the private sector to ensure that investment prospects are maximised as well as the enabling of significant public realm investments.

Advisory Role
To work with, and support the activities of other partner bodies, the local authority, the regional development agency and the Local Strategic Partnership. Non-physical projects associated with the wider city regeneration fall outside the domain of the company but close working will be essential to align strategies and actions. Close links will be maintained with the local authority planning and development teams to ensure that city centre projects are complementary to proposals in the rest of the city and district.Bradford Centre Regeneration will focus on the following tasks:

• It will lead on, and promote city centre development projects based on the Masterplan. It will lead on and coordinate project development and investment.
  
• It will secure private sector investment to unlock development opportunities and economic development.
  
• It will secure resources from the public sector, including European funds and fiscal incentives which will have an positive impact on the delivery of renewal and investment.
  
• It will influence and advise the Council, Yorkshire Forward, English Partnerships and others on their policies and programmes for physical regeneration in the city centre.
  
• It will work seamlessly with Bradford Vision and other key agencies and partnerships to coordinate social and economic regeneration activities with physical ones.

The company was formally incorporated on 6th February 2003 with its registered office at City Hall, Bradford BD1 1HY. The company number is 4654938 and its powers, obligations and responsibilities are set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Bradford Metropolitan District Council provides the Company Secretary role.

Its activities and conduct are also prescribed in a Members’ Agreement between Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Yorkshire Forward and the company. Its area of operation lies within the two square kilometres of the city.