Most liked posts in thread: Bradford

Where do they do it in Leeds and do they have alcohol in the area?

 

Now this is really sad news, Bradfordians just won't go to Bradford for leisure time, not even for something they (probably) said they would do if it existed. Well it opened and existed and they didn't.


http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/16752672.alibi-bar-closes-its-doors-in-sunbridgewells/

 

Oh dear.

 

It is a crying shame though, the only modern bars in Bradford. It was never unique though, I can think of 3 bars that I go to in Leeds that are similar, cellar style, brick vaulted ceilings etc

I was in Bradford Saturday lunchtime & went in the Shoulder of Mutton, first time in over 20+ years, I lasted 20 seconds in there, was like Coronation Street episode from 1972. I then went to the City Vaults, this is one of Bradford's busiest pubs and a good one, maybe 20 people in tops. It's a vicious circle, I am wary of going to Bradford because it's always dead and go to Leeds because I am guaranteed a good time. Can't see me going again tbh.

 

Must admit I did think the city centre looked a lot better this year and a lot brighter than previous years.

 

I was there yesterday, 2-6pm, I don't have any qualms about spending all my money there and we are lucky it's right next door. The buzz is incredible, it's left Manchester & Liverpool well behind, right now Leeds feels like it's going to explode.

The Arena was a concert specific build, no fannying about with multi-purpose this and that, just the best view possible for the customer. Think of the money that place bring into Leeds, hotels, taxis, restaurants, bars, 13500 customers a show!

 

I don't think you can promote something that isn't there. And there's a reason they didn't link the stations like they proposed at the start of the century, even then it was just too costly and the investment would never had been recouped. Going back 30 years or so Leeds was just as run down as any other major city in England, Bradford included. But just look where Leeds is situated, flat areas of prime building land, potential to extend and develop major road and rail links. Bradford just doesn't have that potential. Take the Sunbridge Wells for instance. A decent development but its built on sales of alcohol and who in this city is going to use it? We have no one from outside the city coming in to visit, most of the people who live in the inner city don't drink for various reasons and the ones who do are more likely to drink at home due to low income. Pains me to say it because its my home town, but just like the football and rugby team of its name, Bradford as a city will never go anywhere. There are other areas like Bradford in terms of industrial decline, but a lot of them don't have the geographical problems that Bradford do.

 

I've had a similar experience - the folk I've taken out have really enjoyed it. (Sunbridge Wells, Lord Clyde, Fighting C0ck was the last crawl.)

Thing is they're unlikely to do it regularly, unfortunately.

 

I went today taking my daughter to Waterstones. It was poor weather but the centre was astonishingly quiet, it was just so depressing, no life. We got the book and tomorrow it's Xmas shopping in Leeds.

 

It is the draconian policies of the councils planning dept who seem to have a default position of saying no or micro managing any proposal, Compare this with Leeds planning who seem to have a default position of saying yes unless blindingly obvious it is a detriment to the area, Leeds Arena and such as the new Kirkstall shopping area would never be given permission in Bradford

 

You keep your head in the sand its comfy there, The fact is that years of refusal of business plans and investment has meant that company's just do not even consider Bradford as an opportunity anymore, And why should they? It costs an enormous amount of money drawing up plans and applying for schemes only for it to be wasted when refused, Why would you do that when less than 10 miles away a business friendly planning dept will almost certainly help and pass your plans without hindrance

 

Bradford cannot compete with Leeds on the mass retail front, However a change of plan where we develop and build a garden city, A clean attractive place to visit with good seating and eating and more niche shopping in the centre and promotions and street entertainment etc is an option that may bring more footfall

 

All city centres will be dead in five years.

Perhaps the answer to BRADFORD city centre is to form a central hub of art and entertainment and accept the commercial and retail activities will be web based.

A virtual reality shopping centre is the way forward.

 

And the councils new plan for redevelopment of the city centre.

Wonder how long it will take between demolishing and building

https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/17324302.city-centre-buildings-to-be-flattened-to-make-way-for-new-public-square/

 

The horse bolted about 20 years ago so it is always going to be damage limitation now.

It does look a good idea IF and it is a massive IF it is implemented swiftly.

 

I agree with those proposals, it makes sense but as others think....it's all too late. But what can the council do now?

If HMV and Debenhams go pop then that is a big hole in the mall which is slightly less useful than the big hole it filled.

 

The whole shopping experience just does nothing for me, folk buying stuff they don't need and can't afford , in the future it's doomed to fail...