HUGE SUPPORT FROM BRADFORD RESIDENTS

The public consultation has shown overwhelming support for the scheme – with over 73% of people backing the bid for a Park at the Heart.

Nearly 3,000 residents from all communities, ages and backgrounds in the Bradford district took the opportunity to have their say on the design and use of the park.  

Overall 2,853 responses were received – 1,463 by internet and 1,390 by paper.

Bradfordians offered their opinions on how the park should look:

• 64% of people said that they wanted the park to be a green space with trees
• 56% said that they wanted to see a water feature in the park
• 48% of the people wanted there to be cafes and bars around the park

Residents suggested how the park should be used:

• 55% wanted to see the park used for major events and concerts
• 47% wanted to see community festivals and markets take place at the park
• 42 % wanted to see places to picnic, eat and drink
• 36% wanted the park to be a place to meet friends and socialise

Residents were also asked what measures should be taken to ensure the park was successful:

• 79% would like to see the park being clean and well maintained
• 63% wanted the space to be safe and well lit
• 36% wanted the park to be active and usable all year round and also to make it accessible and welcoming to all.

The questionnaire also asked what part of Bradford’s history and culture they would like to see reflected in the park.

• 56% would like to see the use of Bradford materials
• 54%  wanted the park to reflect the landscape of hills, valleys and beck
• 45% wanted the park to show the city’s industrial heritage.

The profile of those completing a questionnaire reflected quite closely the overall population profile of the Bradford area by age, gender and ethnicity.

However there were slightly fewer responses, relative to population proportions, from those aged under 19 and those aged over 65. Support was highest amongst those aged 31-65 accounting for 52% of responses.

Bradford Council's Executive Member for Regeneration Coun Andrew Mallinson said: “The City Park will be a space for everyone and we really wanted the designs to reflect the needs and preferences of all the people of Bradford.

“We were delighted to see that there has been such a large and encouraging response from the public and would like to thank everyone who got involved in the scheme and made a contribution to shaping the face of our City Park”.