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Bradford city centre revamp wins UK Design Capital of the Year award
Overview
Bradford has been named UK Design Capital of the Year at the Architect of the Year Awards, recognising major regeneration work in the city centre including the opening of Norfolk Gardens and the transformation of pedestrianised areas.
Key points
- Bradford defeated shortlisted cities York, Cardiff and Plymouth to win UK Design Capital of the Year.
- The award is part of the Architect of the Year Awards, run by Building Design publication.
- Judges praised the city's regeneration, noting that visiting City Park leaves people feeling uplifted.
- Key regeneration projects include the 2.5-acre Norfolk Gardens park, which opened in 2025 with thousands of plants and trees.
- The revamped city centre area also features the relocated mermaid statue from the former Jacobs Well roundabout subway.