The build programme for One City Park, Bradford’s first new high quality office development in 20 years, is continuing at pace as the project team led by nationwide placemaker, Muse, in partnership with Bradford Council and lead contractor Caddick Construction remain confident that the development is on track to complete summer 2023.

The striking glass and steel scheme will create 56,403 sq ft of sustainable office space across five floors. The steel frame – supplied and erected by Halifax-based Elland Steel – was completed in November and the aluminium cladding system which frames the floor to ceiling windows is well underway.

Externally, the retaining wall in front of the building has been demolished and work has begun on constructing new Spanish steps which will link the building to the mirror pool and provide an attractive setting for people to meet, sit and enjoy the views over City Park – which is set to play a major role in the district’s UK City of Culture programme in 2025.

Simon Dew, development director at Muse, added:

“The skills and specialist knowledge of our extraordinary build team is enabling us to deliver this landmark scheme for the city on track which is an incredible achievement. We’ve had a strong stream of enquiries from potential occupiers – a confident sign that the demand for a modern, high specification office scheme in the city is there.

 “Bradford is a place where start-ups and growing SMEs can thrive, and that major corporates have proudly called their home for hundreds of years. The district has always cultivated an entrepreneurial spirit – and we hope that One City Park will become home to the next generation of innovators who will choose to live and work in the city, attracted by the opportunity to fulfil their potential here.”

The scheme has been designed with modern businesses in mind, with flexible floor plates that can adapt to accommodate more agile working practices that promote wellbeing, and strong sustainability credentials.

In line with Bradford Council’s ‘Clean Growth Strategy’, which is ensuring that development in the city is sustainable, clean, environmentally regenerative and socially inclusive, One City Park will feature a range of green design elements including high-performance glazing, photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to make sure the building operates on renewable energy. Every car-parking space includes an electric car charging point, coupled with secure cycle storage and changing facilities to encourage workers to take more sustainable and healthier modes of transport.

Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director at Caddick Construction added:

“There’s a huge demand for high quality, multipurpose commercial space in Bradford and Muse is leading the region by bringing to market this exciting new development. It’s a true testament to our team’s commitment and dedication that we’re on track to deliver this fantastic project on time.

 “Creating places where businesses and their people can thrive is important to every commercial build that we deliver, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure our sustainability target of BREEAM Excellent is met and this flagship scheme provides a market-leading environmentally conscious space.”

The building will feature a panoramic roof terrace offering superb views of the many civic and cultural buildings that surround City Park including City Hall, St George’s Hall and new music venue, Bradford Live, which is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation, as well as bars, restaurants and cafes. It will also complement other major capital developments in the city including the £23m Darley Street Market scheme.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration Planning and Transport, said:

“One City Park entering the final phase of its construction marks an exciting moment in the district’s continual transformation and really complements the wider regeneration of the city centre including the new Darley Street Market and the progress being made with the City Village at the top of town. It’s a measure of our ambition for continual growth in the district.”