Iconic Hamm Strassebuilding 'will become feature of Bradford skyline'

8:27am Wednesday 11th March 2009

By Chris Holland

Regeneration building projects totalling more than £250 million are now either under way or on the brink of starting in central Bradford.

The latest scheme to be revealed is a £15 million hotel, office and residential development in Hamm Strasse where construction work is about to begin in earnest.

It was one of four schemes totalling £53.5 million highlighted at the prestigious MIPM international property event in Cannes, France, just as planners in Bradford gave their backing to two other huge projects worth a combined total of £200 million.

The Liverpool-based developers behind the Hamm Strasse project, The Property Group, say the 36,000 sq ft site on elevated ground includes iconic buildings that will become features of the Bradford skyline.

And it has pledged that with a high level of interest in the project it will not be built to “gather dust”. Five national hotel chains are looking at the No 1 Hamm Strasse development which will include a 100-bed three star hotel.

And terms have been agreed for 12,000 sq foot of Grade A office space in the first phase. Construction has started on the scheme which backs on to Forster Square station with steel work being put up.

Bobbie Johnson, a partner in The Property Group, said: “We are very optimistic about the prospects for Bradford and for this project.

“Unlike some schemes, this is not based on promises but is under way now and being constructed to an 18-month timetable.

“We are very encouraged by its prospects and several potential investors are milling around.

“We have already agreed terms for 12,000 sq ft of quality office space in Hallgate House, the smaller of the two buildings planned for the site.

“Several hotel operators are showing interest in the hotel development and our local agents tell us that interest is also high in the 20 luxury apartments which we intend to sell at around £150,000 each.

“We have worked closely with local agencies, including Bradford Centre Regeneration, and designed a scheme that we believe meets Bradford’s future needs. It is our first development in the city but we hope it will be the first of many.”

Bradford regeneration chiefs say the four new schemes outlined at the MIPM conference will send a strong signal that private investors are committed to the continued regeneration of Bradford in a difficult economic climate.

In addition to No.1 Hamm Strasse, they unveiled details of three other key schemes which involve a total of £50m in private sector investment in Bradford’s regeneration over the next year.

The developments, which include three hotels, more than 15,000 sq ft Grade A office space, retail, leisure and residential plans, will help underpin some of the major regeneration projects being developed by the public sector partners including Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward, the Homes and Communities Agency and Bradford Centre Regeneration.

Councillor Adrian Naylor, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “The news that developers are committing this amount of money in the city is very positive for the district and shows the confidence developers have in its regeneration.

“Being able to offer extensive leisure and office facilities, such as the ones planned, will have a big impact on attracting more investors to the city, as well as visitors, which will help boost our local economy.”

Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration added: “The potential that exists in Bradford, which is still in the early stages of regeneration, is not something that will disappear. Developers are realising this through their commitment which sends a very positive signal that the opportunities still exist.”