From The Chamber

7:05pm Sunday 4th March 2007

If you don't go out much or read the press very often, the physical changes in and around Bradford may have escaped your notice. I suspect that they have not, and that you may even be suffering masterplan-fatigue'.

All the more important, then, to appreciate the landscape alterations that will affect Bradford very soon. The University of Bradford and Bradford College buildings will be transformed, the Channel Quarter on Canal Road has received planning consent and will start in 2008, Broadway is expected to commence this year, and the council is considering a re-built Bradford Canal.

Connecting these and other elements is a scheme surrounding City Hall - a high-quality public space that will knit together the city as never before, also acting as a catalyst for new commercial and office development, introducing a long-absent private sector presence.

Most of the public works, including a mirror-pool and park, are subject to a lottery bid for £17 million.

The lottery panel will assess the scheme, competing with 16 others, partly on the basis of local support.

I am asking that you show your support by visiting www.parkattheheart.com and giving your views. You don't need to agree with it all - you will contribute as much by being a critical friend. Please take part, and encourage your staff, colleagues and friends to do the same.

A good result for Bradford will be a good result for business.

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