First details of Bradford City Park proposals released

Bradford Centre Regeneration today released the first details of Gillespies' proposals for Bradford’s new Mirror Pool City Park following the practice’s success in winning the commission via a design competition. The pool forms part of Alsop’s famous water-inspired vision for the city and will support wide-ranging proposals to bring the ‘wow’ factor to Bradford through the creation of an international attraction and a regeneration icon. 

Gillespies is currently exploring the concept of a pool with drama and ceremony that reflects the many moods of the city: playful during fountain displays, tranquil and atmospheric at times with ripples, fog and exciting light shows. The water will be shallow, clean and fully accessible for paddling and play. An events space is also being incorporated for use when water-filled or empty. Major events can be held, or smaller events can be staged using the water itself and this could feature a variety of shows from a walking-on-water catwalk or stage event to other community initiatives. Proposals for a signature daily waterworks display akin to other prominent daily events such as the Edinburgh one o’clock Gun are also being considered.Another fundamental aspect for the pool will be its night time value. In addition to the Bradford light grid that reflects the key cultural and historical moments in Bradford’s history as chosen by the people of Bradford, the design team are considering the creation of a coloured shore line using a ‘dye line’ of strip lights that change colour continuously, reflecting the dye and colour heritage of Bradford, and providing a light show in its own right. 

Gillespies’ plans incorporate the new pool within the context of a sustainable City Park, which will feature a range of interconnected spaces designed for different activities: a formal space to reflect the dignity of the town hall; the Mirror Pool events space; the tranquil space of Norfolk Gardens; and a business forest with new retail, cafes and offices using roof terraces. Three play areas are incorporated into the scheme which the team are looking to have designed by a schools competition. Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration said: “We are excited by the way that Gillespies has very practically addressed the constraints on the site whilst at the same time coming forward with design proposals which we and our regeneration partners Bradford City Council, feel will deliver a truly landmark development.” The focus of the work is on preparing a Living Landmarks Lottery stage 2 bid to be submitted in May 2007. 

An extensive programme of public consultation and engagement is currently taking place on the new designs and uses for the Park.