A business forum is to be held today (October 15) with traders to begin the consultation process to develop the World Mile – a vibrant and cosmopolitan retail and leisure destination planned for the heart of Bradford. The purpose of the forum is for the World Mile delivery team to explain the vision for this area of the city, report on progress so far, and most importantly to listen to what businesses have to say.
The event will be held at the Colour Museum on Providence Street in Bradford, and will offer local business people the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and the benefits it will bring. After a presentation, guests will also have the chance to ask any questions and to discuss issues important to them.
Stretching just over one mile from Ivegate up to the Carlisle Road junction, it is proposed that the World Mile will link the thriving Asian boutiques at White Abbey Road to the city centre markets and retail core, whilst attracting many new cosmopolitan businesses to the area.
The scheme, currently in the very early stages of development, will see the area developed as the primary independent retail district of Bradford city centre. It will celebrate the full diversity of Bradford’s communities. It will also provide a unique retail and leisure destination, attracting visitors from the region, across the UK and beyond.
Edward Stanners, businessman and Vice Chair of the World Mile Steering Group, said: “The World Mile is an exciting long term project that will bring together a range of different cultures in one contained area for a unique retail and leisure experience. We are hoping to attract a diverse range of businesses, covering everything from restaurants, cafes, arts and crafts outlets, hairdressers and salons – offering a truly ‘world’ experience for this area of the city centre.
“The World Mile is being planned as a thriving, cosmopolitan district to the city centre, regenerating the area, whilst improving the retail offering and generating jobs.”
Existing and new businesses in the area will benefit from increased footfall and customers, public realm improvements and new parking facilities. The World Mile team is already working with traders to provide substantial and ongoing business support, including advice on marketing, premises management, finance and business planning. This Business Forum is a further demonstration of our commitment to working with existing businesses to get the best benefits for everyone.”
The scheme will be fuelled by growth of existing and new businesses and the team will work closely with current traders to gain support for the project. Key initiatives to attract private investors and developers are also being planned.
The World Mile delivery group includes representatives from Bradford Council, Bradford Centre Regeneration, Yorkshire Forward and private sector businesses.
Councillor Adrian Naylor, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: “The World Mile is a significant scheme within the regeneration programme. We have a diverse, multi-cultural population in Bradford and this scheme has the potential to celebrate and showcase our unique community. We are in early days but it offers an exceptional shopping experience that Bradford residents can be proud of and will add to attractions across the district such as Saltaire and Haworth, which bring visitors from across the world.”
Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration, said: “The World Mile will complement other regeneration projects in the city, offering an alternative shopping experience and encouraging the flow of shoppers who will visit the Westfield centre to explore more of the city. The scheme will play a crucial role in attracting local residents back into the city centre.”