The proposed £50m McAleer & Rushe office, hotel and leisure scheme in Bradford has been given the go-ahead after gaining planning and the developers celebrated by announcing that Provident Financial will be moving their headquarters to the new city centre site.
The Southgate scheme, which was granted planning permission yesterday (10 March) afternoon, will bring 117,000 sq ft premium office space, occupied by Bradford-based financial services provider Provident Financial, and a 200-bed Jury’s Inn hotel and restaurant to Bradford city centre.
McAleer & Rushe, named Northern Ireland Property Developer of the Year, plan to transform the 1-acre city centre site which sits on the edge of the city’s unique £750m Learning Quarter development, and forms a vital link between the academic area of the city and the planned City Park.
The city yesterday saw over £100m worth of investment given the green light by the planning authority, with the permission for the first planned BREEAM Outstanding student accommodation in the UK - The Listerhills Sustainable Student Village - also granted planning by Bradford Metropolitan District Council
McAleer & Rushe which specialise in the development of commercial, residential, retail and mixed-use schemes are one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction and property development companies. They have a strong reputation for completing projects to the highest standards of design and construction.
Work on both schemes is now expected to commence on site as soon as final sign-off is obtained.
Stephen Davey, from McAleer & Rushe, said: “We’re delighted that permission has been granted for work to start on site. We are committed to delivering this landmark project in Bradford, as part of the high profile regeneration taking place in the city.”
Commenting on yesterday’s decision, Councillor Adrian Naylor, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy at Bradford Council, said: “The announcement of planning permission for both Southgate and Listerhills is a further boost for the city, and yet more evidence that the private sector continues to realise the potential we have here in Bradford.
“The development by McAleer & Rushe is a building block in a wider masterplan, which will deliver a vibrant, modern city centre for Bradford.”
Alex Munro, partner at Knight Frank, said: “Receiving the go-ahead to start work on this significant scheme is a very positive sign for Bradford’s regeneration. McAleer & Rushe are renowned for their high standards of build and delivery, which is a tremendous fillip for the city.”
The vision to create a world-class Learning Quarter in the city is now turning into a reality, with developments by the University of Bradford and Bradford College already underway, and yesterday’s granting of detailed planning permission for the two key schemes giving a significant boost to the city centre regeneration.
The landmark £150m Listerhills Sustainable Student Village being built by Mi7 Developments, the project management company for the Hayaat Group, will set a precedent for future student community development, delivering high quality sustainable living for 1,000 students.
Plans to transform the traditional academic area of the city are already underway as demolition and refurbishment work has now started on the site for first three phases of the project to create business innovation and managed workspace, academic and healthcare facilities and extensive public realm.
Another key scheme within the quarter, the £55m New Victoria Place, has also been submitted for planning permission highlighting significant progress for the scheme.