Latest news with #BradfordBID
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Visitor numbers to Bradford rise - but are they spending money?
After a year of severe disruption in Bradford city centre, the number of people visiting to shop or eat is going up. There has been a 25% increase in footfall in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, according to the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID). The organisation, which represents 600 firms, said last year's figure was severely impacted by roadworks to pedestrianise parts of the centre, and the unexpected closure of the main bus station. But has this resurgence translated to increased spending in independent businesses? The BBC asked traders whether they have seen the high street start to recover. Amy Berry manages The Cake'ole cafe in City Park. She says: "I think it's been a lot better. The buses coming back (into the Interchange) have fixed a lot of the problems. "And then especially with all the events that City of Culture 2025 has brought in. We've had a lot of footfall, it's been pretty good." Ms Berry, 27, has worked in the cafe since it opened in 2019. "We were still trying to come back from Covid. A lot of people were still a bit scared to come out. "It's definitely a lot busier than we were then. "But I think we're now maybe back to where we were pre-Covid, maybe even a bit busier." The pedestrianisation work was part of a £48m Transforming Cities investment which was supposed to be completed before the start of Bradford's City of Culture year. It was only finished in May - five months after the cultural showcase's opening night. The Interchange was closed for safety reasons in January 2024 after a chunk of concrete fell from an underground car park, and only fully reopened this month. Ibrahim Eryatmaz runs Benim furniture shop on Market Street. He says: "I think more people are on the street because Market Street is open for pedestrians. "I can see there are more people but business is still low. "For us it's very low now but if you sell coffees, maybe small items, maybe for them it's potentially better. "But we are a furniture shop and who's passing along this street doesn't have a big effect for us." The 52-year-old did praise Bradford Council, which has halved business rates to encourage more traders to set up in the city centre. But he says many Bradfordians are still cautious when it comes to spending their money on bigger items. John Varey opened his florist's shop with his wife Lisa at the start of the year and has had a promising first few months of trading. "I've seen massive growth from when I first moved in. "Obviously we moved in in winter so we can't really gauge it compared to last year apart from figures. "We got the sales figures from the shop from last year and we've kind of almost doubled what they were doing." Mr Varey, 58, says the high rents being charged by private landlords who are often not based in Bradford does not help businesses thrive in the city centre. Elsewhere, Leeds and Wakefield have seen increases year-on-year in the number of people coming into their centres while Halifax, which is undergoing a £64m town centre improvement project, has seen a fall. Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford BID, says the 25% footfall boost has to be viewed in the context of a very low starting point last year. "There is no doubt that 2024 was a tough year for city centre businesses due to ongoing roadworks and the sudden closure of the Interchange. "However we're now seeing strong signs of recovery. "We know there's still work to do, and we're under no illusions - regenerating the city centre takes time and continued effort." He highlights events like the BID's recent Soapbox Challenge as well as those organised by the UK City of Culture 2025 team and the council as reasons why more people are coming into Bradford. Mr Noble adds that he is "optimistic about further increases in footfall, dwell time, and overall business confidence." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. City centre regeneration plans take step forward People urged to return to city centre as works end
BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Footfall in Bradford city centre is rising - but is spending?
After a year of severe disruption in Bradford city centre, the number of people visiting to shop or eat is going up. There has been a 25% increase in footfall in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, according to the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID).The organisation, which represents 600 firms, said last year's figure was severely impacted by roadworks to pedestrianise parts of the centre, and the unexpected closure of the main bus station. But has this resurgence translated to increased spending in independent businesses? The BBC asked traders whether they have seen the high street start to recover. Amy Berry manages The Cake'ole cafe in City says: "I think it's been a lot better. The buses coming back (into the Interchange) have fixed a lot of the problems. "And then especially with all the events that City of Culture 2025 has brought in. We've had a lot of footfall, it's been pretty good." Ms Berry, 27, has worked in the cafe since it opened in 2019. "We were still trying to come back from Covid. A lot of people were still a bit scared to come out. "It's definitely a lot busier than we were then. "But I think we're now maybe back to where we were pre-Covid, maybe even a bit busier." The pedestrianisation work was part of a £48m Transforming Cities investment which was supposed to be completed before the start of Bradford's City of Culture was only finished in May - five months after the cultural showcase's opening Interchange was closed for safety reasons in January 2024 after a chunk of concrete fell from an underground car park, and only fully reopened this month. Ibrahim Eryatmaz runs Benim furniture shop on Market Street. He says: "I think more people are on the street because Market Street is open for pedestrians. "I can see there are more people but business is still low. "For us it's very low now but if you sell coffees, maybe small items, maybe for them it's potentially better. "But we are a furniture shop and who's passing along this street doesn't have a big effect for us."The 52-year-old did praise Bradford Council, which has halved business rates to encourage more traders to set up in the city centre. But he says many Bradfordians are still cautious when it comes to spending their money on bigger items. John Varey opened his florist's shop with his wife Lisa at the start of the year and has had a promising first few months of trading."I've seen massive growth from when I first moved in. "Obviously we moved in in winter so we can't really gauge it compared to last year apart from figures."We got the sales figures from the shop from last year and we've kind of almost doubled what they were doing." Mr Varey, 58, says the high rents being charged by private landlords who are often not based in Bradford does not help businesses thrive in the city Leeds and Wakefield have seen increases year-on-year in the number of people coming into their centres while Halifax, which is undergoing a £64m town centre improvement project, has seen a Noble, chief executive of Bradford BID, says the 25% footfall boost has to be viewed in the context of a very low starting point last year. "There is no doubt that 2024 was a tough year for city centre businesses due to ongoing roadworks and the sudden closure of the Interchange."However we're now seeing strong signs of recovery."We know there's still work to do, and we're under no illusions - regenerating the city centre takes time and continued effort."He highlights events like the BID's recent Soapbox Challenge as well as those organised by the UK City of Culture 2025 team and the council as reasons why more people are coming into Bradford. Mr Noble adds that he is "optimistic about further increases in footfall, dwell time, and overall business confidence." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bradford Super Soapbox Challenge date revealed - here's how you can take part
THE date when a popular Bradford city centre event will take place for a fourth time has been announced. The Super Soapbox Challenge, which runs from Kirkgate down Bank Street and onto Tyrrel Street - has attracted nearly 50,000 visitors to the city over the last three years. There were some doubts that the event might not take place in 2025 when organisers were calling for external sponsorship funding last November. But now they have been given the go-ahead and are encouraging wacky racers to sign up for the challenge on Sunday, May 4. This year, as Bradford celebrates its City of Culture year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever. All of last year's competitors (Image: Faye Kenny-Broom) Bradford's Super Soapbox Challenge has become a major Bank Holiday attraction. Participants build their own soapbox cart and race it down the giant ramp through the city centre, competing for the fastest lap time. Previous designs have included hamburgers, a 1920s theme, superheroes and a bat mobile. Last year, 23 teams took part in the event and it was opened by Danny Malin - of the popular YouTube channel Rate My Takeaway. YouTube star Danny Malin opened the races (Image: Faye Kenny-Broom) Jonny Noble, Bradford BID's Chief Executive, said: "The Bradford Super Soapbox Challenge is not just a fantastic spectacle; it plays an important role in supporting city centre businesses. "Events like this bring thousands of people into the heart of Bradford, boosting footfall for shops, cafés, and restaurants. "This year, as we celebrate Bradford's City of Culture status, it is more important than ever to showcase what our city has to offer and create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. "It will also be a brilliant opportunity to show off the transformative public realm works in the heart of the city centre. "We can't wait to see the incredible designs teams come up with.' One of the carts in 2024 (Image: Steven Ward (T&A Camera Club)) Andrew Pearson, Marketing Director for Super Soapbox Challenge, added: "It's great news we'll be returning to Bradford for a fourth year. "Whether it's your first time competing or you're a returning team, the event is a brilliant opportunity for a fun-filled day out. "It's all about team spirit, raising money for great causes, and enjoying the excitement of the race. "We've got plenty of advice and tips for those taking part, and we're looking forward to seeing the creative entries from Bradford this year." Thousands come out for the event (Image: Faye Kenny-Broom) The event is free for spectators to enjoy, while entry fees for teams are £100 for individuals, BID-levy paying businesses, and charities, or £200 for non-levy paying corporate entries. Additional prizes include most innovative cart design and best turned-out crew. Teams looking to take part can sign up by visiting For businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, or for further event details, get in touch with Andrew Pearson at The Super Soapbox Challenge Company: andrew@
