Green light for improvements at city retail park

A MAJOR overhaul of a Bradford retail park has been given the green light by planners.

Improvements to Forster Square Retail Park, including more pedestrian links to the rest of the city, a children's play area and a new customer service building, have been given the go ahead by Bradford Council

The retail park's car park will become a one way system, new cycle parking will be installed and a pedestrian underpass underneath Hamm Strasse will be made "more welcoming".

British Land owns the site and its planning application says the group is looking to "invest in the park to enhance the shopping environment and public realm".

The group says the changes were sought because of the ongoing improvements to the Forster Square Railway Station and the soon to open Westfield development.

The retail park contains some of the city's biggest shops, including national names like Asda Living, Next, and Currys, as well as cafes and restaurants like McDonalds and Subway.

The application says more efforts are needed to be made to to prevent the retail park from becoming a car-only destination.

The plans involve the creation of 40 cycling spaces, new benches and street furniture and an events space. The changes will leave the car park with 18 fewer spaces.

The "customer service lodge" will provide facilities for shoppers include disabled toilets a baby changing area, and an on site security presence.

The play area will be created near the entrance to the northern part of the park, overlooked by the block of cafes and coffee shops.

Go here to see the original:
Green light for improvements at city retail park