Incommunities Signs Legal Agreement for First Phase of City Village

We can announce that Bradford-based housing provider, Incommunities, has officially been appointed as the funding and delivery partner for the first phase of Bradford’s ‘City Village’ city centre neighbourhood.

The legal agreement also unlocks capital already secured through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure & Land (BIL) fund to support demolition and enabling works, which are due to start on site in the next few weeks.

We will now work with Incommunities alongside Bradford Council to deliver the first phase of new homes as part of this ambitious regeneration opportunity, which will create a sustainable community where people can live, work and thrive.

Phase one will deliver 97 high-quality, two and three-bed townhouses across Chain Street and the northern half of the Oastler site, providing a mix of homes for shared ownership and affordable and social rent, which will be owned and managed by Incommunities. The energy efficient homes will feature sustainable elements including photovoltaic panels and EV charging, alongside good connections to public transport links as well as new walking and cycling routes. They will also benefit from a series of outdoor squares, courtyards and green spaces to encourage social interaction and a strong sense of community.

James Dinsley, Development Manager – Yorkshire and Northeast at ECF, said:

“Drawing on our knowledge and experience of delivering award-winning communities across the country, we will continue to work with the Council and the Incommunities team to ensure the homes, and the surrounding public spaces, are designed and delivered to the highest standard. We are proud to be playing our part in changing the way Bradford city centre will be used and enjoyed by future generations.”

Once completed, City Village will create up to 1,000 modern, energy-efficient homes across three sites at the ‘the top of town,’ alongside green spaces, improved public realm and will build on the area’s existing successful independent traders, introducing new opportunities for retail, leisure and business spaces.

Councillor Andrew Judson, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Regeneration and Planning, said: “This is a landmark moment in the delivery of what will be a transformative development for Bradford. The plans are progressing and this is a milestone as they become reality. The scheme is set to be game-changing for the city centre and when the homes are built and green, public spaces created, they will create a thriving neighbourhood with opportunities for leisure and business.

“Incommunities has a strong connection to Bradford and we will continue to work together to deliver real change for the future.”

Wakefield-based contractor, Metropolitan Demolition, will soon begin an eight-month demolition programme to remove the former Oastler Shopping Centre and clear surrounding buildings to pave the way for new homes. Works to facilitate construction of the new homes are expected to begin Winter 2027 and are due to finish by Summer 2029.

The signing of the legal agreement represents a significant step forward for the neighbourhood and reinforces Incommunities’ commitment to investing in Bradford. It currently has a portfolio of 22,000 homes, primarily in the Bradford district, with a strong reputation for providing high quality affordable housing, maintenance, repairs and community support to its residents.

Rachael Dennis, Chief Executive of Incommunities, said: “This is an important milestone for City Village, and a major step forward in bringing this ambitious regeneration to life. 

As Bradford’s largest housing association, we’re proud to be playing a key role in delivering this first phase of homes, with our investment helping to bring forward a new city centre neighbourhood made up of high-quality homes that are truly affordable for local people and families. Projects like this play a vital role in creating a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable future for Bradford.” 

City Village has already secured major inward investment, including £13.2 million in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, a strategic partner which is helping to make the scheme a reality, alongside £30 million of Government funding via Homes England.

Later phases of City Village will include more than 300 apartments on the southern half of the Oastler site, alongside approximately 400 apartments at the site of the recently closed Kirkgate Shopping Centre. Demolition of the Kirkgate site is expected to begin early 2027, following a six-month programme of internal strip out works.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “This is a fantastic step in the right direction, to build the homes our communities need and breathe new life into the places we’re proud to call home. With a thousand new homes planned for the city centre – alongside vibrant green spaces, modern transport links and thriving new high streets – City Village will transform the local area and help to turbocharge our regional economy.

“By working with partners to deliver places our communities and businesses can be proud of, we’re creating a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

For further information visit www.bradfordcityvillage.com