Westfield to spend £275m on Broadway development (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting TANEWS to 80360, or email
Developer’s plea for confidence in Bradford to make new centre a reality
8:45am Friday 1st July 2011 in News
By Jo Winrow, City Hall Reporter
The latest artist’s impression of the new Broadway shopping centre
Westfield today urged retailers to have confidence in Bradford as it revealed that revised plans for the Broadway site will be for a £275 million scheme, and not £320 million as originally planned.
Members of a Bradford Council committee have been able to question the developer over its commitment to the city as more details of its plans for a slightly smaller shopping centre emerged.
A two-phase planning application is expected within a month, as a two-day public exhibition opened today to showcase the altered designs.
The centre now includes two large anchor stores and 75 shops and would see two-storey shops around the outside, single storey in the middle, with three malls in between. It is expected that the name of one of the key larger stores will be revealed shortly.
Councillors asked about links to the city centre and a possible timetable for completion, as well as whether there would be a time limit on any successful planning approval.
Neil Maclure, development executive at Westfield, told the Council’s regulatory and appeals committee, they had spent a lot of time trying to get the plans right, and that the scaled-down version was more deliverable.
He said it was important to work the scheme up with Council planners, as planning permission would help retailers sign up to take space in the shopping centre.
He said: “We are at the early stages of building up confidence among potential retailers in Bradford.
“We are starting again and we have got a positive reponse from retailers but have got to do a lot more work to get them behind us.
“If everything goes well it is possible we could be on site next year but it is dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers and getting a committment from them before we can start.”
Councillors wanted a commitment to use local labour, and Mr Maclure promised to maximise the job opportunities for local people, with 2,500 permanent new jobs expected to be created in the centre itself.
- Read the full story Friday’s T&A
Comments(71)
yorkiewyke
says...
9:00am Fri 1 Jul 11
`Depends on signing up a large niumber of major retailers and getting a commitment from them before they start` Same old story as five years ago, same old excuse not to build. Will this council never learn ?
MontyLeMar
says...
9:14am Fri 1 Jul 11
It's carnage on the High Street at the moment what with HMV, Thorntons, TJ Hughes, Habitat, Jane Norman, Lloyds Bank even, all shutting outlets to one degree or another. On the one hand I feel it's a hopeless case to expect Westfield to deliver anything in the next couple of years but on the other hand I wish them all the luck in the world at getting this off the ground. But please Bradford Council don't start insisting on local labour quotas. If it can be done I don't care whether they import labour from Bahrain to do it. Just get that bloody hole filled in.
Joedavid
says...
9:14am Fri 1 Jul 11
Plans were past for the Odeon a while back now but nothing as happened, seems same problem getting tenets to sign up.
Avro
says...
9:15am Fri 1 Jul 11
This farce just got bigger, yes Westfield are starting again - with the same old storyline!
“If everything goes well it is possible we could be on site next year but it is dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers and getting a committment from them before we can start.”
Same old Westfield claptrap regurgitated under the guise of time for a revised plan!
Still no confirmation as to how many retailers are signed up and how more are are needed to get Westfield back on site, hence the MIGHT be back on site next year!
Crapford Council need to get a serious grip on this situation, stop messing around its time for action!
“If everything goes well it is possible we could be on site next year but it is dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers and getting a committment from them before we can start.”
Same old Westfield claptrap regurgitated under the guise of time for a revised plan!
Still no confirmation as to how many retailers are signed up and how more are are needed to get Westfield back on site, hence the MIGHT be back on site next year!
Crapford Council need to get a serious grip on this situation, stop messing around its time for action!
jkelly
says...
9:28am Fri 1 Jul 11
"We are starting again . . ."
Does this imply that all previous negotiations have lapsed?
Does this imply that all previous negotiations have lapsed?
MontyLeMar
says...
9:35am Fri 1 Jul 11
I would also like to point out that £320 million at 2008 prices is about the equivalent of £390 million at 2012 prices assuming 5% inflation. They are proposing a £275 million scheme which is a considerable reduction. I'm more concerned about corner cutting and cheapening the materials and finishings in order to get the cost down but leaving a complex that looks and feels cheap. Like Rawson. I appeal to Westfield to do a good job and not leave something cheap and nasty which nobody wants to visit.
spanglishbull.uk
says...
9:37am Fri 1 Jul 11
Can anybody tell me when next year is,no date mentioned,sounds like the D.F.S sale advert,this sale has to end next Sunday.This advert has been running for about five years.To the Telegraph,if you cannot find anything sensible to headline you may as well close up shop same as lots of other businesses in Bradford
Avro
says...
10:04am Fri 1 Jul 11
MontyLeMar wrote:Yes carnage on the High Street, but not particularly so in the out of town shopping centres.
It's carnage on the High Street at the moment what with HMV, Thorntons, TJ Hughes, Habitat, Jane Norman, Lloyds Bank even, all shutting outlets to one degree or another. On the one hand I feel it's a hopeless case to expect Westfield to deliver anything in the next couple of years but on the other hand I wish them all the luck in the world at getting this off the ground. But please Bradford Council don't start insisting on local labour quotas. If it can be done I don't care whether they import labour from Bahrain to do it. Just get that bloody hole filled in.
As for Thorntons, yes they announced pulling out of the High Street, but they also announced targetting lucritive out of town shopping centres with new stores.
Bradford's probelm is two fold, the demise of High Street shopping, and the state of the centre.
The two combined is a recipe for disaster, where things can only but get worse whilst Westfield remains unbuilt, and in the meantime the city Pond will likely do nothing to stop the rot.
Thanks Westfield, for helping to bring the town centre to its knees, what we had was certainly better than what we have now!
mrs walker
says...
10:21am Fri 1 Jul 11
It would be really good to have more shops in the centre. In particular I'd like clothes shops that sell more than disposable glittery clubwear for the young.. Marks and Spencers on Darley Street is ok, but the choice is limited. I would love to see a deli, a wholefood shop, a kite shop, a really good toy shop, a good cafe with fresh healthy food (Cafe Bleu at the top of town is good, but something near the stations would be fantastic). I'd like to see a computer store, a gadget shop, a nail bar, a hair salon, a bag shop, a cookware store, a lingerie shop, a 'Richer Sounds', a 'Lush' and a 'Monsoon'. And no, I don't want to go to Leeds for it.
.
I know we are cynical about this development, and rightly so. It was a farce from the start, but our current council did not make the decision to knock down half our city without a promise in place to rebuild.
.
I think that if the retailers come, so will the shoppers. I really hope to see this. I even like the fact it's a smaller development to be honest, it's more in keeping with the scale of our architecture here and hopefully we'll still be able to see the cathedral. If the retailers come, I promise to spend my money there.
.
I know we are cynical about this development, and rightly so. It was a farce from the start, but our current council did not make the decision to knock down half our city without a promise in place to rebuild.
.
I think that if the retailers come, so will the shoppers. I really hope to see this. I even like the fact it's a smaller development to be honest, it's more in keeping with the scale of our architecture here and hopefully we'll still be able to see the cathedral. If the retailers come, I promise to spend my money there.
mrs walker
says...
10:26am Fri 1 Jul 11
"...a two-day public exhibition opened today to showcase the altered designs"
.
Oh T&A, you could have told us where it is!
.
Oh T&A, you could have told us where it is!
Tricky Dicky
says...
10:37am Fri 1 Jul 11
Bradford has lost its identity as well as its shops. People with disposable incomes now go to Leeds and Halifax (yes, Halifax!) to do their shopping. Far more on offer, far easier to access. Bradford's ever evolving identity does not need the big high street names and no one is going to flock to the city to see its "nuevo" architecture. The lack of development of the Gaumont/Odeon is shining example of what a failed city Bradord has become. Puddles in the centre of the city will be a novelty to some but businesses need regular paying customers. Bradford has long gone. They may as well change its name as well.
Tricky Dicky
says...
10:44am Fri 1 Jul 11
Take a look at the Artist's impression of the new Broadway Shopping Centre and spot the obvious mistakes. This is Bradford not Bournemouth!
bradford rose
says...
10:54am Fri 1 Jul 11
mrs walker wrote:They did - in a previous article.
"...a two-day public exhibition opened today to showcase the altered designs" . Oh T&A, you could have told us where it is!
If I remember rightly it's at The Midland
RL Ron
says...
11:50am Fri 1 Jul 11
I don't give a monkeys if the scheme now costs £2.50, just get on with it!
Avro
says...
12:06pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Tricky Dicky wrote:It look's like the Rawson Quarter, and we all know what a roaring success that is - Not!
Take a look at the Artist's impression of the new Broadway Shopping Centre and spot the obvious mistakes. This is Bradford not Bournemouth!
Avro
says...
12:14pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Westfield plea for confidence, yet there new web site show's nothing, which is what we have come to expect of them!
http://uk.westfield.
com/bradford/
http://uk.westfield.
com/bradford/
the Laird
says...
12:32pm Fri 1 Jul 11
This mornings Yorkshire Post takes a somewhat more measured view (as ever) headlining this story as "Definitely maybe" and quoting Westfield as saying they cannot give a firm commitment on if and when the scheme will actually get under way.
Westfield also refused to say if Debenhams were one of the anchor tenants (I thought they were already in the bag?) but said they would make an announcement "soon"
Also the YP says car parking dropped from 1,600 to 1,300, no mention of that either in the T&A
Westfield also refused to say if Debenhams were one of the anchor tenants (I thought they were already in the bag?) but said they would make an announcement "soon"
Also the YP says car parking dropped from 1,600 to 1,300, no mention of that either in the T&A
Avro
says...
1:18pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Very interesting, because below are Westfields own words from 2007
February 05, 2007 --
Westfield, developer of the proposed £300 million Broadway development, is pleased to announce that Debenhams have signed up to anchor the new scheme. The Debenhams department store will be 117,000 sq ft
February 05, 2007 --
Westfield, developer of the proposed £300 million Broadway development, is pleased to announce that Debenhams have signed up to anchor the new scheme. The Debenhams department store will be 117,000 sq ft
nowt fresh
says...
1:57pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Monies & retail outlets can be found for the right development,http://w
ww.bloomberg.com/new
s/2011-06-29/westfie
ld-plans-1-6-billion
-development-for-pro
perty-next-to-london
-mall.html
ww.bloomberg.com/new
s/2011-06-29/westfie
ld-plans-1-6-billion
-development-for-pro
perty-next-to-london
-mall.html
jj83
says...
5:59pm Fri 1 Jul 11
the Laird wrote:Well of course the number of car parking spaces will drop if it's a smaller development..
This mornings Yorkshire Post takes a somewhat more measured view (as ever) headlining this story as "Definitely maybe" and quoting Westfield as saying they cannot give a firm commitment on if and when the scheme will actually get under way.
Westfield also refused to say if Debenhams were one of the anchor tenants (I thought they were already in the bag?) but said they would make an announcement "soon"
Also the YP says car parking dropped from 1,600 to 1,300, no mention of that either in the T&A
Debenhams was in the bag years ago but because it was put on hold for so long Westfield will have to renegotiate with them first before they can say anything for certain.. but I can't see a reason why they'd change their minds.
And the Yorkshire Post is so obviously biased towards Leeds so I can't trust them.
jj83
says...
6:03pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Avro wrote:of course it's dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers first... they're not going to build it if no one's going to sign up are they!
This farce just got bigger, yes Westfield are starting again - with the same old storyline!
“If everything goes well it is possible we could be on site next year but it is dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers and getting a committment from them before we can start.”
Same old Westfield claptrap regurgitated under the guise of time for a revised plan!
Still no confirmation as to how many retailers are signed up and how more are are needed to get Westfield back on site, hence the MIGHT be back on site next year!
Crapford Council need to get a serious grip on this situation, stop messing around its time for action!
it's they same deal with every new shopping centre that gets build now.
Bradford is a huge city and Westfield is bound to attract a heck of a lot of people so it shouldn't be a problem anyway.
Albion.
says...
6:07pm Fri 1 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:Well it has been so far! That is the reason that it never started.
Avro wrote:of course it's dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers first... they're not going to build it if no one's going to sign up are they!
This farce just got bigger, yes Westfield are starting again - with the same old storyline!
“If everything goes well it is possible we could be on site next year but it is dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers and getting a committment from them before we can start.”
Same old Westfield claptrap regurgitated under the guise of time for a revised plan!
Still no confirmation as to how many retailers are signed up and how more are are needed to get Westfield back on site, hence the MIGHT be back on site next year!
Crapford Council need to get a serious grip on this situation, stop messing around its time for action!
it's they same deal with every new shopping centre that gets build now.
Bradford is a huge city and Westfield is bound to attract a heck of a lot of people so it shouldn't be a problem anyway.
Anyway it's pointless speculating, It's a matter of wait and see.
jj83
says...
6:13pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Tricky Dicky wrote:People with disposable income now go to Halifax? are you having a laugh! What has Halifax got to offer that's so much better then??? and how is it far easier to "access" :/
Bradford has lost its identity as well as its shops. People with disposable incomes now go to Leeds and Halifax (yes, Halifax!) to do their shopping. Far more on offer, far easier to access. Bradford's ever evolving identity does not need the big high street names and no one is going to flock to the city to see its "nuevo" architecture. The lack of development of the Gaumont/Odeon is shining example of what a failed city Bradord has become. Puddles in the centre of the city will be a novelty to some but businesses need regular paying customers. Bradford has long gone. They may as well change its name as well.
Halifax probably has more bookies than Bradford and possibly the worlds biggest poundland!
Albion.
says...
6:19pm Fri 1 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:I don't go to Halifax too often these days but I always find it better for shopping and eating than Bradford (mind you I could say the same thing about Huddersfield or Harrogate or the "L" word), Everyone will have their own opinion.
Tricky Dicky wrote:People with disposable income now go to Halifax? are you having a laugh! What has Halifax got to offer that's so much better then??? and how is it far easier to "access" :/
Bradford has lost its identity as well as its shops. People with disposable incomes now go to Leeds and Halifax (yes, Halifax!) to do their shopping. Far more on offer, far easier to access. Bradford's ever evolving identity does not need the big high street names and no one is going to flock to the city to see its "nuevo" architecture. The lack of development of the Gaumont/Odeon is shining example of what a failed city Bradord has become. Puddles in the centre of the city will be a novelty to some but businesses need regular paying customers. Bradford has long gone. They may as well change its name as well.
Halifax probably has more bookies than Bradford and possibly the worlds biggest poundland!
vikksy
says...
6:25pm Fri 1 Jul 11
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
2 little ducks
says...
6:37pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Westfield have got a lot of building to do, not only the shopping centre but Bradfordians' confidence. My wife's shop on Market Street was forced to shut a couple of years ago because no one bothered to go to that side of town after Westfield cleared the site. The hundreds of office workers went, as did a lot of shops. No people = no customers. So now that whole side of town is like a ghost town. The "hole in Bradford" became a by-word for missed chances and financial depression. If this project does not get the go-ahead, I fear for the future of the city.
And, yes, as others have said, we now regularly shop in Halifax or Leeds instead. Why? Because it has shops!
And, yes, as others have said, we now regularly shop in Halifax or Leeds instead. Why? Because it has shops!
Avro
says...
6:53pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Well you certainly can't trust Westfield, and if you can't se any reason as to why Debenham's might change their mind, then you really are blinkered to the Wesfield hype!
Avro
says...
7:10pm Fri 1 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:It obviously is a major problem considering that the centre should have been up and running three years ago -The recession was simply a convenient excuse for Westfield to hide its shortcomings on this project!
Avro wrote: This farce just got bigger, yes Westfield are starting again - with the same old storyline! “If everything goes well it is possible we could be on site next year but it is dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers and getting a committment from them before we can start.” Same old Westfield claptrap regurgitated under the guise of time for a revised plan! Still no confirmation as to how many retailers are signed up and how more are are needed to get Westfield back on site, hence the MIGHT be back on site next year! Crapford Council need to get a serious grip on this situation, stop messing around its time for action!of course it's dependent on signing up a large number of major retailers first... they're not going to build it if no one's going to sign up are they! it's they same deal with every new shopping centre that gets build now. Bradford is a huge city and Westfield is bound to attract a heck of a lot of people so it shouldn't be a problem anyway.
The simple explanation is that from the outset Westfield failed to attract enough tenants to get the build underway, and the downsize is no different, where they are still looking for enough tenants, and where the revison statement is littered with 'if' and 'maybe'.
Simple fact is that Westfield and the Council got their sums very wrong in thinking that retailers would be falling over themselves to sign up to such a development in Bradford; in fact nothing has changed since levelling Broadway and if anything the centre is in an even worse state now - its no wonder the development is struggling to attract tenants!
the Laird
says...
7:24pm Fri 1 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:If you think the Yorkshire Post is to be less trusted than the T&A, the Council and Westfield, then you are even more deluded than i thought.
the Laird wrote: This mornings Yorkshire Post takes a somewhat more measured view (as ever) headlining this story as "Definitely maybe" and quoting Westfield as saying they cannot give a firm commitment on if and when the scheme will actually get under way. Westfield also refused to say if Debenhams were one of the anchor tenants (I thought they were already in the bag?) but said they would make an announcement "soon" Also the YP says car parking dropped from 1,600 to 1,300, no mention of that either in the T&AWell of course the number of car parking spaces will drop if it's a smaller development.. Debenhams was in the bag years ago but because it was put on hold for so long Westfield will have to renegotiate with them first before they can say anything for certain.. but I can't see a reason why they'd change their minds. And the Yorkshire Post is so obviously biased towards Leeds so I can't trust them.
They are the only newspaper prepared to ask the relevant questions, the T&A just print what they are told to.
And whats all this about Bradfords a huge city and it wont be a problem attracting plenty of tenants??
Westfield have been trying for nearly 7 years and havent managed to get more than 50%! and of course they wont say what the percentage has dropped to now.
MontyLeMar
says...
7:42pm Fri 1 Jul 11
vikksy wrote:I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
MontyLeMar
says...
7:46pm Fri 1 Jul 11
I was asterisked out! All I typed was L.u.s.t.
Yorkshire Lass
says...
8:12pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Avro wrote:Same situation. The meat, fruit and fish markets were pulled down then boarded round for at least 5 years before being replaced. Ring a bell anyone? Perhaps they should have built a garden there as well then we would have had a full set.
Tricky Dicky wrote:It look's like the Rawson Quarter, and we all know what a roaring success that is - Not!
Take a look at the Artist's impression of the new Broadway Shopping Centre and spot the obvious mistakes. This is Bradford not Bournemouth!
2 little ducks
says...
8:46pm Fri 1 Jul 11
MontyLeMar wrote:I can't speak for everybody else, of course, but what we like most about Halifax is the Piece Hall and the arcades. The car parking is a bit tricky since they started building on the large one near the bridge. Yes, that's right. They are BUILDING something! And it's not a park!
vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
C.T.I.D
says...
9:17pm Fri 1 Jul 11
To be fair, Halifax is nothing special. It's alright for a town but you can't say it's better than Bradford for shopping when it doesn't even have a shopping centre and the shops they have on the hight street is pretty much the same as what's in Bradford.
There's a few decent independent stores, but apparently they're struggling.
There's a few decent independent stores, but apparently they're struggling.
C.T.I.D
says...
9:21pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Oh, and as for Piece Hall - The only thing you see in there nowadays is tumbleweed lol.
Danstarr69
says...
10:28pm Fri 1 Jul 11
Halifax is rubbish...who shops there???Plus their Poundland has turned into a worse shop,and only have a 99p shop now,and Piece Hall is always empty.Forster Square has better shops than the whole of Halifax put together.
"Need to get retailers interested" Why....when they've had 7 years to find them???
And I don't like the new plans.They just look like normal shops.I'd prefer a bigger Meadowhall/White Rose style shopping centre.
Anyone know if the reduction in cost is good or bad for Bradford? I'm not a business guy,but to me cheaper,means worse.
"Need to get retailers interested" Why....when they've had 7 years to find them???
And I don't like the new plans.They just look like normal shops.I'd prefer a bigger Meadowhall/White Rose style shopping centre.
Anyone know if the reduction in cost is good or bad for Bradford? I'm not a business guy,but to me cheaper,means worse.
bradford rose
says...
10:35pm Fri 1 Jul 11
MontyLeMar wrote:Bradford still has plenty of Victorian buildings standing. We have some fantastic architecture and I don't just mean the obvious City Hall and The Wool Exchange. Take a look at the buildings around Piccadilly, Duke Street and North Parade; Lower Kirkgate and the courtyard leading off it towards Waterstones (I can't think of its name); the NatWest building at the corner of Hustlergate...in fact the town centre is full of beautiful and unique buildings. We just need some more shops to fill them.
vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
As for Halifax, it's a nice enough town but it depends what you are shopping for.
It has a better Marks and Spencers store than the shop selling a few drab and dowdy clothes that we have here in Bradford but that's about all.
If you were talking about Huddersfield being superior I could understand it.
jj83
says...
11:49pm Fri 1 Jul 11
MontyLeMar wrote:Bradford has more victorian buildings than Halifax actually, and Halifax has it's fair share of monstrosities, The Halifax HQ and the abundance of tower blocks that surround the town for example...
vikksy wrote:I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
At least Bradford have done up/replaced or are planning to replace many of the 60's buildings with new structures that blend in well with the existing architecture surrounding it.
jj83
says...
11:56pm Fri 1 Jul 11
2 little ducks wrote:A glass roof over a street can hardly be classed as an arcade.
MontyLeMar wrote:I can't speak for everybody else, of course, but what we like most about Halifax is the Piece Hall and the arcades. The car parking is a bit tricky since they started building on the large one near the bridge. Yes, that's right. They are BUILDING something! And it's not a park!
vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
Yes they are building something... But it's going to be pretty much the same thing as Bradford's Leisure Exchange!
jj83
says...
12:04am Sat 2 Jul 11
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
C.T.I.D
says...
12:09am Sat 2 Jul 11
Has anyone been to the public exhibition by any chance? I might have a look in tomorrow
C.T.I.D
says...
12:23am Sat 2 Jul 11
bradford rose wrote:And Little Germany of course. The Westfield shopping centre will give huge potential to that part of town. I can imagine it being quite a trendy place if more little cafes and shops were to open there.
MontyLeMar wrote:Bradford still has plenty of Victorian buildings standing. We have some fantastic architecture and I don't just mean the obvious City Hall and The Wool Exchange. Take a look at the buildings around Piccadilly, Duke Street and North Parade; Lower Kirkgate and the courtyard leading off it towards Waterstones (I can't think of its name); the NatWest building at the corner of Hustlergate...in fact the town centre is full of beautiful and unique buildings. We just need some more shops to fill them.
vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
As for Halifax, it's a nice enough town but it depends what you are shopping for.
It has a better Marks and Spencers store than the shop selling a few drab and dowdy clothes that we have here in Bradford but that's about all.
If you were talking about Huddersfield being superior I could understand it.
Albion.
says...
6:26am Sat 2 Jul 11
C.T.I.D wrote:"the shops they have on the hight street is pretty much the same as what's in Bradford."
To be fair, Halifax is nothing special. It's alright for a town but you can't say it's better than Bradford for shopping when it doesn't even have a shopping centre and the shops they have on the hight street is pretty much the same as what's in Bradford.
There's a few decent independent stores, but apparently they're struggling.
Harveys is a very good department store, Bradford doesn't have a department store, Try buying menswear in the pathetic little corner of Bradfords M&S food section, the Halifax one is far superior.
Albion.
says...
6:28am Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Albion.
says...
6:30am Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:But will any of them be occupied?
MontyLeMar wrote:Bradford has more victorian buildings than Halifax actually, and Halifax has it's fair share of monstrosities, The Halifax HQ and the abundance of tower blocks that surround the town for example...
vikksy wrote:I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
At least Bradford have done up/replaced or are planning to replace many of the 60's buildings with new structures that blend in well with the existing architecture surrounding it.
Albion.
says...
6:32am Sat 2 Jul 11
bradford rose wrote:"We just need some more shops to fill them."
MontyLeMar wrote:Bradford still has plenty of Victorian buildings standing. We have some fantastic architecture and I don't just mean the obvious City Hall and The Wool Exchange. Take a look at the buildings around Piccadilly, Duke Street and North Parade; Lower Kirkgate and the courtyard leading off it towards Waterstones (I can't think of its name); the NatWest building at the corner of Hustlergate...in fact the town centre is full of beautiful and unique buildings. We just need some more shops to fill them.
vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.I wonder if what Bradford people like about Halifax is the number of Victorian buildings that are still standing? They look great. And Piece Hall?? - phenomenal!! Possibly how Bradford could look today if we hadn't got mixed up with the White Hot Heat of Technology (Harold Wilson c1965) and the **** for progress. Nostalgia rules, OK! What have we got now? A dump.
As for Halifax, it's a nice enough town but it depends what you are shopping for.
It has a better Marks and Spencers store than the shop selling a few drab and dowdy clothes that we have here in Bradford but that's about all.
If you were talking about Huddersfield being superior I could understand it.
Exactly!
2 little ducks
says...
9:45am Sat 2 Jul 11
The debate about the relative merits of neighbouring towns and cities has no overall winner. It's all a matter of opinion. People will shop at a place they are familiar with and they feel comfortable in. If Halifax, Huddersfield, Colne or wherever lights your fire then go for it.
This debate should be: Will the new Westfield proposals save Bradford's shops from closure?
My opinion: Possibly, but with many people from Bradford chosing to travel to other towns to go shopping, Westfield must restore confidence first. Whether the present proposal gets the go-ahead in the current financial situation is doubtful. It would be marvelous to see a "White Rose" style centre on Broadway, but I fear it may end up being like the St. John's Shopping Centre in Leeds which had many empty units for years after it opened and for a long time was merely a convenient way of crossing from the Merrion Centre to the Headrow without getting wet!
This debate should be: Will the new Westfield proposals save Bradford's shops from closure?
My opinion: Possibly, but with many people from Bradford chosing to travel to other towns to go shopping, Westfield must restore confidence first. Whether the present proposal gets the go-ahead in the current financial situation is doubtful. It would be marvelous to see a "White Rose" style centre on Broadway, but I fear it may end up being like the St. John's Shopping Centre in Leeds which had many empty units for years after it opened and for a long time was merely a convenient way of crossing from the Merrion Centre to the Headrow without getting wet!
jj83
says...
10:10am Sat 2 Jul 11
How?! :/
2 little ducks
says...
10:26am Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:"How" what?
How?! :/
How do Westfield restore consumer confidence in Bradford?: by building and opening an attractive shopping centre filled with shops that people actually want/need in a short a space of time as possible.
It's not rocket science. Westfield pulled down enormous chunks of the city centre and did nothing else for years. I am sceptical of their intentions/abilities to build on the site, but would be delighted to be proved wrong. Obviously, I don't blame Westfield for the global economic situation, but they caused problems for that side of the city at a time when we could not afford it. The knock-on effect was lack of confidence and people going elsewhere to shop.
jj83
says...
11:22am Sat 2 Jul 11
2 little ducks wrote:I ment to quote albion's ridiculous comment.
jj83 wrote:"How" what?
How?! :/
How do Westfield restore consumer confidence in Bradford?: by building and opening an attractive shopping centre filled with shops that people actually want/need in a short a space of time as possible.
It's not rocket science. Westfield pulled down enormous chunks of the city centre and did nothing else for years. I am sceptical of their intentions/abilities to build on the site, but would be delighted to be proved wrong. Obviously, I don't blame Westfield for the global economic situation, but they caused problems for that side of the city at a time when we could not afford it. The knock-on effect was lack of confidence and people going elsewhere to shop.
jj83
says...
11:23am Sat 2 Jul 11
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Albion.
says...
11:36am Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street).
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
11:38am Sat 2 Jul 11
Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.
jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street).
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).
jj83
says...
5:43pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles!
Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.
jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street).
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).
I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.
Danstarr69
says...
5:56pm Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:JJ83 AGREED.I want big name shops,with things I want to buy,rather than little small shops that sell ornaments etc lol.What big name shops have Keighley got??? Nothing is the answer.
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
Albion.
says...
6:02pm Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops!
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles!
Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.
jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street).
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).
I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.
"Keighley doesn't have a Primark, "
It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip!
"Topshop,"
Yes it does (It's within the department store).
"River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..."
I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without).
"but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong."
It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well).
There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).
jj83
says...
7:11pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Albion. wrote:I know museums and theatres aren't shops, but you seem to be suggesting Keighley is better on the whole than Bradford!
jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops!
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles!
Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.
jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street).
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).
I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.
"Keighley doesn't have a Primark, "
It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip!
"Topshop,"
Yes it does (It's within the department store).
"River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..."
I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without).
"but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong."
It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well).
There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).
Primark is a very popular shop and just cos you think you're above it dosen't mean it's not worthy, and Bradford also has Moss Bros and Greenwoods which are decent gents outfitters.
The Topshop in Westgate isn't a propper one, it's tiny, whereas Bradford's is on two floors!
And Waterstone's has been saved by a Russian billionaire...
Yes Ilkley is lovely for the different type of shopping trip, but i'm talking about the high street names.
C.T.I.D
says...
7:17pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Albion. wrote:that's going too far lol
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Albion.
says...
7:28pm Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:Well I'm talking about the whole experience, And I enjoy shopping just about anywhere in preference to Bradford.
Albion. wrote:I know museums and theatres aren't shops, but you seem to be suggesting Keighley is better on the whole than Bradford!
jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops!
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles!
Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.
jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street).
Albion. wrote:How?! :/
jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.
vikksy wrote:Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.
Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).
I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.
"Keighley doesn't have a Primark, "
It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip!
"Topshop,"
Yes it does (It's within the department store).
"River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..."
I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without).
"but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong."
It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well).
There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).
Primark is a very popular shop and just cos you think you're above it dosen't mean it's not worthy, and Bradford also has Moss Bros and Greenwoods which are decent gents outfitters.
The Topshop in Westgate isn't a propper one, it's tiny, whereas Bradford's is on two floors!
And Waterstone's has been saved by a Russian billionaire...
Yes Ilkley is lovely for the different type of shopping trip, but i'm talking about the high street names.
You can talk it up all you like and that is fair enough but to me it just gets worse.
Among those with whom I fraternise (many are from other areas) it has such a bad reputation that it surprises me little that people come on here and admit to claiming to be from elsewhere, I man who I was in contact with online who is on the South Coast once read one of my articles (on another site) and said to me "So you're from Bradford? you poor s*d I never realised that!
However we are getting a little off topic here, the fact is if and when the Bradford shopping mall is completed it will need to be exceptionally impressive and accompanied by worthwhile shops in its vicinity to tempt me further than an initial visit of curiosity. If the journey to it by bus and foot is as unpleasant as current visits to the city often prove to be then I will carry on much as now.
Danstarr69
says...
7:32pm Sat 2 Jul 11
jj83 wrote:Halifax,Keighley,Ilk
Albion. wrote:I know museums and theatres aren't shops, but you seem to be suggesting Keighley is better on the whole than Bradford! Primark is a very popular shop and just cos you think you're above it dosen't mean it's not worthy, and Bradford also has Moss Bros and Greenwoods which are decent gents outfitters. The Topshop in Westgate isn't a propper one, it's tiny, whereas Bradford's is on two floors! And Waterstone's has been saved by a Russian billionaire... Yes Ilkley is lovely for the different type of shopping trip, but i'm talking about the high street names.jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops! "Keighley doesn't have a Primark, " It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip! "Topshop," Yes it does (It's within the department store). "River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..." I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without). "but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong." It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well). There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
ley...better than Bradford??? Most laughable things I've ever heard.Theyre all small towns/villages with tiny shops no-one has heard of.Bradfords got Forster Square and that alone is better than all those 3 put together.Boots,JJB,J
D,Comet,PC World,DFS,Next,Outle
t,Pet World,TK Max,Argos,Coop Travel,Halfords....a
ll in and around Forster Square.
PS Albion if your not a 50 year old woman I'd be very surprised because you certainly like boring little shops and places
Albion.
says...
7:43pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Danstarr69 wrote:Actually I am much older than 50yrs and am certainly not a woman.
jj83 wrote:Halifax,Keighley,Ilk
Albion. wrote:I know museums and theatres aren't shops, but you seem to be suggesting Keighley is better on the whole than Bradford! Primark is a very popular shop and just cos you think you're above it dosen't mean it's not worthy, and Bradford also has Moss Bros and Greenwoods which are decent gents outfitters. The Topshop in Westgate isn't a propper one, it's tiny, whereas Bradford's is on two floors! And Waterstone's has been saved by a Russian billionaire... Yes Ilkley is lovely for the different type of shopping trip, but i'm talking about the high street names.jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops! "Keighley doesn't have a Primark, " It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip! "Topshop," Yes it does (It's within the department store). "River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..." I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without). "but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong." It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well). There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
ley...better than Bradford??? Most laughable things I've ever heard.Theyre all small towns/villages with tiny shops no-one has heard of.Bradfords got Forster Square and that alone is better than all those 3 put together.Boots,JJB,J
D,Comet,PC World,DFS,Next,Outle
t,Pet World,TK Max,Argos,Coop Travel,Halfords....a
ll in and around Forster Square.
PS Albion if your not a 50 year old woman I'd be very surprised because you certainly like boring little shops and places
I'm fully aware of what shops are in Forster Square Retail Park and sometimes travel in there if there is no viable alternative at the time, an interesting point though is that in previous debates about the city shopping scene (or lack of) the retail park is frequently referred to as one of the reasons for the demise of the city centre shops.
TirNaNog
says...
8:04pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Refreshing to see people defending the place for a change! That's the spirit. There may be hope yet.
Not unsurprisingly the usual doom-merchants tried to bring everyone down but the sun is shining and isn't it great to not be Albion!
Not unsurprisingly the usual doom-merchants tried to bring everyone down but the sun is shining and isn't it great to not be Albion!
Albion.
says...
8:10pm Sat 2 Jul 11
TirNaNog wrote:That you'll never know! Nothing wrong with defending the place as long as one doesn't mistake delusions of grandeur as fact.
Refreshing to see people defending the place for a change! That's the spirit. There may be hope yet.
Not unsurprisingly the usual doom-merchants tried to bring everyone down but the sun is shining and isn't it great to not be Albion!
Danstarr69
says...
10:22pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Albion. wrote:What I was saying.Big names attract people,and most are now in Forster square.Most people would rather go to Forster square than a small quiet village,with small shops and nice architecture.What people want is big names,big shops and modern.
Danstarr69 wrote:Actually I am much older than 50yrs and am certainly not a woman. I'm fully aware of what shops are in Forster Square Retail Park and sometimes travel in there if there is no viable alternative at the time, an interesting point though is that in previous debates about the city shopping scene (or lack of) the retail park is frequently referred to as one of the reasons for the demise of the city centre shops.jj83 wrote:Halifax,Keighley,Ilk ley...better than Bradford??? Most laughable things I've ever heard.Theyre all small towns/villages with tiny shops no-one has heard of.Bradfords got Forster Square and that alone is better than all those 3 put together.Boots,JJB,J D,Comet,PC World,DFS,Next,Outle t,Pet World,TK Max,Argos,Coop Travel,Halfords....a ll in and around Forster Square. PS Albion if your not a 50 year old woman I'd be very surprised because you certainly like boring little shops and placesAlbion. wrote:I know museums and theatres aren't shops, but you seem to be suggesting Keighley is better on the whole than Bradford! Primark is a very popular shop and just cos you think you're above it dosen't mean it's not worthy, and Bradford also has Moss Bros and Greenwoods which are decent gents outfitters. The Topshop in Westgate isn't a propper one, it's tiny, whereas Bradford's is on two floors! And Waterstone's has been saved by a Russian billionaire... Yes Ilkley is lovely for the different type of shopping trip, but i'm talking about the high street names.jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops! "Keighley doesn't have a Primark, " It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip! "Topshop," Yes it does (It's within the department store). "River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..." I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without). "but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong." It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well). There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
Only the small percentage of people over 50 go to those places with small boring shops so they can enjoy a countryside walk after lol
mrs walker
says...
10:47pm Sat 2 Jul 11
Danstarr69 wrote:*Ahem!* The over-50s account for a sizable percentage of the population, young feller-me-lad, and the grey pound carries a lot of weight, since older people tend to have more expendable cash than younger ones.
Albion. wrote:What I was saying.Big names attract people,and most are now in Forster square.Most people would rather go to Forster square than a small quiet village,with small shops and nice architecture.What people want is big names,big shops and modern.
Danstarr69 wrote:Actually I am much older than 50yrs and am certainly not a woman. I'm fully aware of what shops are in Forster Square Retail Park and sometimes travel in there if there is no viable alternative at the time, an interesting point though is that in previous debates about the city shopping scene (or lack of) the retail park is frequently referred to as one of the reasons for the demise of the city centre shops.jj83 wrote:Halifax,Keighley,Ilk ley...better than Bradford??? Most laughable things I've ever heard.Theyre all small towns/villages with tiny shops no-one has heard of.Bradfords got Forster Square and that alone is better than all those 3 put together.Boots,JJB,J D,Comet,PC World,DFS,Next,Outle t,Pet World,TK Max,Argos,Coop Travel,Halfords....a ll in and around Forster Square. PS Albion if your not a 50 year old woman I'd be very surprised because you certainly like boring little shops and placesAlbion. wrote:I know museums and theatres aren't shops, but you seem to be suggesting Keighley is better on the whole than Bradford! Primark is a very popular shop and just cos you think you're above it dosen't mean it's not worthy, and Bradford also has Moss Bros and Greenwoods which are decent gents outfitters. The Topshop in Westgate isn't a propper one, it's tiny, whereas Bradford's is on two floors! And Waterstone's has been saved by a Russian billionaire... Yes Ilkley is lovely for the different type of shopping trip, but i'm talking about the high street names.jj83 wrote:Museums and theatres aren't shops! "Keighley doesn't have a Primark, " It does have David Petyt (a decent gents outfitter whose clothes don't look like they were rescued from a skip! "Topshop," Yes it does (It's within the department store). "River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones..." I gather that the Bradford Waterstones might well not last much longer (the others I can well do without). "but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong." It's all down to personal requirements and taste, I feel more comfortable and prefer the shopping experience in Keighley (it's nice to be able to go about one's business without constant interruptions as well). There aren't (to you) that many shops in Ilkley either but I enjoyed my shopping there this morning and indeed the journey on public transport (which those of us with restricted vision have to rely on).Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
Only the small percentage of people over 50 go to those places with small boring shops so they can enjoy a countryside walk after lol
Furthermore I wouldn't assume that Albion's shopping habits were representative of other people's and neither should you.
.
And personally I never combine my shopping and my country walks! Since I've never seen ramblers carrying their shopping up the Cow and Calf, I think it's safe to say the two activities are not generally combined...
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
10:10am Sun 3 Jul 11
Danstarr69 wrote:Like I said for the money thrown at Bradford compared to Keighley, Keighley holds it's own very well.
jj83 wrote:JJ83 AGREED.I want big name shops,with things I want to buy,rather than little small shops that sell ornaments etc lol.What big name shops have Keighley got??? Nothing is the answer.
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
.
Your comparing Keighley, Ilkley and Halifax are small towns but still do ok for themselves, Bradford is a Big City and in comparision is a joke.
C.T.I.D
says...
12:36am Mon 4 Jul 11
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:We haven't had that much money thrown at us in comparison to other large cities.
Danstarr69 wrote:Like I said for the money thrown at Bradford compared to Keighley, Keighley holds it's own very well.
jj83 wrote:JJ83 AGREED.I want big name shops,with things I want to buy,rather than little small shops that sell ornaments etc lol.What big name shops have Keighley got??? Nothing is the answer.
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
.
Your comparing Keighley, Ilkley and Halifax are small towns but still do ok for themselves, Bradford is a Big City and in comparision is a joke.
Danstarr69
says...
1:53am Mon 4 Jul 11
C.T.I.D wrote:Exactly.The money the government 'promised' us to help with regeneration they decided to revoke.Now the council are having to find money elsewhere,eg.the driving in city centre bus lane fine introduction last year.That is one of the biggest reasons projects like the odeon are taking so long
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:We haven't had that much money thrown at us in comparison to other large cities.Danstarr69 wrote:Like I said for the money thrown at Bradford compared to Keighley, Keighley holds it's own very well. . Your comparing Keighley, Ilkley and Halifax are small towns but still do ok for themselves, Bradford is a Big City and in comparision is a joke.jj83 wrote:JJ83 AGREED.I want big name shops,with things I want to buy,rather than little small shops that sell ornaments etc lol.What big name shops have Keighley got??? Nothing is the answer.Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
8:55am Mon 4 Jul 11
Danstarr69 wrote:Bradford has had plenty of money spent on it, it's no one elses fault but the councils that it hasn't been spent wisely, so that doesn't wash.
C.T.I.D wrote:Exactly.The money the government 'promised' us to help with regeneration they decided to revoke.Now the council are having to find money elsewhere,eg.the driving in city centre bus lane fine introduction last year.That is one of the biggest reasons projects like the odeon are taking so longThee Voice of Reason wrote:We haven't had that much money thrown at us in comparison to other large cities.Danstarr69 wrote:Like I said for the money thrown at Bradford compared to Keighley, Keighley holds it's own very well. . Your comparing Keighley, Ilkley and Halifax are small towns but still do ok for themselves, Bradford is a Big City and in comparision is a joke.jj83 wrote:JJ83 AGREED.I want big name shops,with things I want to buy,rather than little small shops that sell ornaments etc lol.What big name shops have Keighley got??? Nothing is the answer.Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
.
The Odeon has been empty over 10 years, money isn't the problem as millions have been wasted in this time.
Albion.
says...
11:07am Mon 4 Jul 11
Danstarr69 wrote:Money paid in fines for motoring offences goes to HM Treasury and is redistributed as they see fit.
C.T.I.D wrote:Exactly.The money the government 'promised' us to help with regeneration they decided to revoke.Now the council are having to find money elsewhere,eg.the driving in city centre bus lane fine introduction last year.That is one of the biggest reasons projects like the odeon are taking so long
Thee Voice of Reason wrote:We haven't had that much money thrown at us in comparison to other large cities.Danstarr69 wrote:Like I said for the money thrown at Bradford compared to Keighley, Keighley holds it's own very well. . Your comparing Keighley, Ilkley and Halifax are small towns but still do ok for themselves, Bradford is a Big City and in comparision is a joke.jj83 wrote:JJ83 AGREED.I want big name shops,with things I want to buy,rather than little small shops that sell ornaments etc lol.What big name shops have Keighley got??? Nothing is the answer.Thee Voice of Reason wrote:you're both so anti Bradford it's crazy... Bradford has many more shops, stunning architecture, one of the best museums and theatres in the country, better resturants, an IMAX, soon it will have a fantastic new water feature... Keighley doesn't have a Primark, Topshop, River Island, Ann Summers, Bank, Wilkinsons, Waterstones... I'd much rather have all of them then Westgate!! It doesn't even have any of the major coffee outles! I don't want to criticize Keighley too much cos It's part of the Bradford District and it is pretty good for a town it's size, but to say it's "certainly better than Bradford" is just wrong.Albion. wrote:I have to agree. For the investment Keighley has recieved compared to the millions thrown at Bradford, Keighley is a much better shopping experience.jj83 wrote:It has a department store, It's M&S is superior, it has three major and two minor supermarkets within walking distance of the train or bus stations, it has a good number of independent shops (especially in Cavendish Street). Given the choice of which to visit I would always choose Keighley over Bradford (mind you this morning I visited Ilkley but might well have gone to Skipton or Harrogate).Albion. wrote:How?! :/jj83 wrote:Keighley is certainly better than Bradford.vikksy wrote: jj83 it is no laughing matter. Halifax is far superior to Bradford. My friends and I go on a regular basis and it i usually heaving.Halifax is far superior to Bradford? Absolute rubbish! give me some examples as to why you would think that. Keighley is better than Halifax!
Thee Voice of Reason says...
8:59am Fri 1 Jul 11
.
http://www.thetelegr
aphandargus.co.uk/bu
siness/business_news
/9112845.Call_to_ens
ure_Bradford_does_lo
se_not_out_in_tax_sh
ake_up/?ref=ec
.
It basically says that all business rates are paid into one pot and that pot is redisributed to towns and cities on the basis of population.
.
It's no suprise that Bradford benefits massively in all this but the government wants to change it so that each town and city keeps it's own business rates to spend accordingly.
.
Now with all the empty shops and premises in Bradford that is going to give us a huge deficit to what we currently get but on the other hand it means the success of other towns and City's aren't bankrolling Bradford.
.
It is now more important than ever that shops are filled but that now seems an impossible task due to the councils years of failure and the concequences are about to come into full effect.