An adaptive permeable solution
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Housing) commissioned landscape architects re-form of Leeds in 2013 to develop designs for an urban linear park which would ultimately form part of a multi-million-pound redevelopment of a rundown Bradford neighbourhood.
Gleaning inspiration from the original stone and window facades of the surrounding mills, the 1500m2 scheme, Chain Street Linear Park, which opened in October 2016, has pedestrianised a former street and car park forming a green, linear park, with raised lawns, new seating and tree planting, providing a local space for residents of both the new development and city centre visitors to socialise and play and gain pedestrian access from the district of Mannigham to and from the retail and business core.
The linear park was designed on the theme of ‘weaving’, in a nod to the city’s historic textile roots, with a path weaving through the park’s different areas. This weaving effect draws on the textile industry both past and present in Bradford, with overlapping spaces allowing ‘pockets’ of activity to be defined in the landscape.
The Chain Street Linear Park, part of the regeneration of an area once dubbed ‘Death Row’ because of its decaying state, features grass mounds and oak cubed seating. It became part of the wider regeneration of the Goitside area on the outskirts of the city centre and follows the completion of 32 high-quality homes, built at nearby Baptist Court, as part of the scheme’s second phase.
The urban park was officially opened with representatives from charities and community groups attending to give residents information on how they can take part in neighbourhood watch groups, classes and leisure activities.
Materials used
Hardscape collaborated with re-form landscape architecture and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Highways section) in supplying Kellen Breccia and Liscio Marrone paving with Drainjoint; Kellen Lavaro Wit 701 steps; Crystal Black granite corduroy tactiles and Yellow Rock granite copings.
Hardscape worked with CBMDC to ensure materials were delivered to site as required also assisting with the Drainjoint design detail as the paving contractor had not used this material before.
Hardscape also assisted with change of specification to the wall copings used on raised soft landscaping areas. The finished project has brought a practical and playful natural environment to an urban area, maximising views into the wider development, reinforcing the overall character of a once run-down space for the community.
