Bradford City Park
Bringing culture and vibrant social life to the heart of Bradford City Centre through high-quality public realm design
Bradford, UK
Gillespies has transformed the heart of Bradford into a bold and distinctive public space featuring a striking six-acre Mirror Pool, the largest urban water feature in the United Kingdom.
The original masterplan
Bradford City Park originated from an ambitious vision set out in 2003 by architect Will Alsop, who reimagined the city centre as a vibrant, people-first place. His masterplan aimed to reverse years of economic decline and urban fragmentation by making “Bradford beautiful again.” He proposed removing a large section of 1960s concrete infrastructure and replacing it with a large body of water that would become a symbolic centrepiece for the city and a catalyst for its regeneration.
Realising the vision for an inclusive civic space
In 2009, Bradford Council appointed Gillespies to take forward its ambitious vision for Centenary Square, transforming it into City Park, now home to the UK’s largest urban water feature.
The regeneration of Centenary Square was a key part of the Council’s strategy to reverse decades of decline, attract investment, and re-establish the city centre as a vibrant civic and cultural heart. Gillespies was tasked with reimagining the space as a dynamic, inclusive public realm, one that would unite Bradford’s rich and diverse communities in a shared, safe place for gathering, celebration and everyday interactions.
At the heart of the design is a 3,600-square-metre Mirror Pool animated by more than 100 fountains, including the dramatic 30-metre-high ‘Bradford Blast.’ By day, the shallow pool reflects the surrounding heritage buildings and provides a pool where people can dip their feet or play in the fountains. At set times, the water recedes to reveal a pedestrian causeway, or drains completely to create a large space capable of hosting events for up to 10,000 people.
"We are excited by the way that Gillespies has very practically addressed the constraints on the [Bradford Mirror Pool City Park] 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."
Maud Marshall, Chief Executive, Bradford Centre for Regeneration
As night falls, the space shifts again, coming alive with choreographed fountains, lighting, and mist displays. The park shifts with the mood of the city, from calm and reflective to bold and celebratory, creating a unique sense of place.
Framed by granite terraces, trees, and generous lawn areas, the park encourages dwell time, play, and social interaction. The flexible layout supports both programmed events and spontaneous use, making it a vital part of daily life in the city.
Reducing operational costs
The design responds to the local topography and incorporates sustainable water management by drawing from a natural, existing aquifer. A borehole taps into this underutilised groundwater source, while rainwater harvesting further supplements the supply. This environmentally conscious approach reduces reliance on mains water, ensures long-term water sustainability, and significantly lowers operational costs.
City Park’s shallow urban water feature is designed to minimise water usage without sacrificing visual impact. To maximise efficiency, the entire pool is drained each night into an underground storage tank located beneath the pavilion, where it is filtered, treated and reused daily. All filtration and mechanical systems are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
A catalyst for change
Since its opening in 2012, Bradford City Park has become a catalyst for urban renewal, reactivating the city centre, supporting local businesses, and welcoming thousands of visitors to major events. The project has resulted in further development surrounding the pool, including public realm works and the opening of One City Park, a new commercial development overlooking City Park, which is now home to global consultancy firm PwC.
It has helped reshape perceptions of the city, instilling civic pride and delivering a renewed sense of identity. Event programming has grown rapidly, with the park now supporting over 50 events each year, including the much-loved Bradford Festival and Mela, which have taken place in the space since 2013.
Bradford City Park has played a key role in Bradford’s successful UK City of Culture 2025 bid and will serve as a central venue throughout the programme of celebrations.
Award
Year
Landscape Institute Awards: Highly Commended
2014
RICS Pro-Yorkshire Regeneration Award: Highly Commended Bradford’s City Park
2013
Urban Design Group: Best Project for the Public Sector
2013
RTPI Yorkshire’s Planning Excellence Award
2013
LUX Urban Lighting Award
2012
Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber Awards
2012
Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) Awards: Animating Public Space — Shortlisted
2012
British Construction Industry (BCI) Awards: Regeneration Award
2012
Academy of Urbanism - The Great Place Award
2013
Architecture Today Award - Test of Time (Finalist)
2025
Project details
Title
Bradford City Park
Client
Bradford City Council
Status
Complete
Project team
Gillespies (lead designer), Arup, Sturgeon North Architects, Fountain Workshop
Gillespies team
Tom Walker, Adam Greatrix
Photography
Giles Rocholl/Gillespies
