BRADFORD Council has finally revealed how much extra cash it approved for the Darley Street Market scheme earlier this year.
In February, councillors granted additional funding for the major development - but the amount was not given at the time despite repeated questioning from the Telegraph & Argus, with the Council saying the matter was "commercially sensitive".
On May 20, after the Council revealed the opening date for Darley Street Market, the T&A submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request to the authority - again asking it to confirm how much extra cash was released for the scheme at the February meeting.
After just over two months, the Council responded yesterday, confirming: "The additional budget which was sought to complete the Darley Street Market project in February 2025 was for up to £2.463 million."
The Council added: "The total amount of money spent on the Darley Street Market project (including property and land acquisition costs) up to July 15, 2025, is £32,347,848.96.
"The final account figures are currently being compiled and there are still some figures to be accounted for."
The Council also apologised for the delay in providing the information, which should have been given within 20 working days under FOI law.
The authority previously confirmed to the T&A that the original budget for Darley Street Market was £25.3m.
According to the Council, "several factors" have led to the overspend of the flagship development, including building inflation, design changes and a more complicated than expected demolition process.
Built on the former Marks & Spencer site on Darley Street, the three-storey market opened on July 10.
The market, which replaces the Oastler Centre and Kirkgate Centre, was originally scheduled to open in autumn 2023.
According to the Council, the three-floor market is a "significant" part of the regeneration of the city centre and will "transform the 'top of town' area to be fit for the next century".
The top floor food and beverage hall has an array of flavours from across the globe.
The middle floor is where cooks are able to source fresh ingredients, including meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.
The ground floor features traditional market essentials such as haberdashery, clothes, jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics, alongside services such as shoe repairs, key cutting and health and beauty.
There is also a traditional-style cafe and a deli with outdoor seating, which opens out on to the market square.
The square has been designed for hosting outdoor events.
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