Incommunities to own and manage new shared ownership, affordable and social rent properties as part of Bradford’s City Village scheme
Housing association Incommunities has signed an agreement securing 97 new affordable homes for local people, as part of the first phase of Bradford’s City Village regeneration.
The agreement, confirmed earlier this month, unlocks capital already secured through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure & Land fund to support demolition and enabling works, due to start on site within weeks.
Incommunities will own and manage all 97 homes, which will offer a mix of shared ownership, affordable and social rent. The two- and three-bed townhouses will be built across Chain Street and the northern half of the Oastler site, working alongside Bradford Council and ECF – the partnership between Homes England’s National Housing Bank, L&G and placemaker Muse.
The energy-efficient homes will include photovoltaic panels and EV charging points, helping keep running costs down for residents, alongside new walking and cycling routes and connections to public transport. Outdoor squares, courtyards and green spaces are also planned to encourage community life.
Rachael Dennis, chief executive of Incommunities, said: “This is an important milestone for City Village, and a major step forward in bringing this ambitious regeneration to life. As Bradford’s largest housing association, we’re proud to be playing a key role in delivering this first phase of homes, with our investment helping to bring forward a new city centre neighbourhood made up of high-quality homes that are truly affordable for local people and families.”
The housing provider currently owns and manages over 22,000 homes, primarily in the Bradford district, and will take on long-term responsibility for maintenance and repairs at the new development.
Once complete, City Village will deliver up to 1,000 homes across three sites, alongside retail, leisure and business space.
Wakefield-based contractor Metropolitan Demolition will carry out an eight-month programme to remove the former Oastler Shopping Centre. Construction of the new homes is expected to start in winter 2027, with completion by summer 2029.
James Dinsley, development manager for Yorkshire and the North East at ECF, said: “Having Incommunities fund, own and manage all of the townhouses being delivered in phase one ensures long-term stewardship and provides future residents with the reassurance of a professionally managed and maintained home.”
Landmark moment
Councillor Andrew Judson, Bradford Council’s executive member for economy, regeneration and planning, said: “This is a landmark moment in the delivery of what will be a transformative development for Bradford. The plans are progressing and this is a milestone as they become reality.”
City Village has secured £13.2m in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, alongside £30m of government funding via Homes England.
Later phases of City Village will include more than 300 apartments on the southern half of the Oastler site, alongside approximately 400 apartments at the site of the former Kirkgate Shopping Centre, which closed its doors in June.
Demolition of the Kirkgate site is expected to begin in early 2027, following a six-month strip-out programme.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “This is a fantastic step in the right direction, to build the homes our communities need and breathe new life into the places we’re proud to call home. With a thousand new homes planned for the city centre – alongside vibrant green spaces, modern transport links and thriving new high streets – City Village will transform the local area and help to turbocharge our regional economy.
“By working with partners to deliver places our communities and businesses can be proud of, we’re creating a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Main image: (Left to right) James Dinsley, ECF; Rachael Dennis, Incommunities; Councillor Andrew Judson, Bradford Council. Credit Andy Garbutt
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