The government’s decision not to support plans to build a new Northern Powerhouse Rail link between Leeds and Manchester including a through station in Bradford city centre has been strongly criticised by the chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA).
In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “This is a major blow for Bradford district.
“The city centre masterplan is partly predicated on the high-speed link with plans to build apartment blocks around the new station for commuters working outside the area.
“These would have been much more affordable than in Manchester and Leeds and been in high demand.
“Being included on the promised high-speed route, slashing journey times to 10 minutes to Leeds and 22 minutes to Manchester, would also have provided a major boost to Bradford’s night time economy and created many new jobs.
“As the youngest city in the UK, Bradford deserved this chance, which it has waited far too long to be given.
“The city and its people have been let down and left disappointed yet again.”
MHA was founded in 1986 following a piece of research on the housing needs of Black and Asian communities in Bradford, which showed that the needs of the South Asian community were not being addressed.
With an annual turnover of £8.2m and a staff of 36, the association now manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents.
Over 80% of MHA residents are of South Asian origin but the association proudly serves all of those in need.
MHA holds a G1 rating for governance and a V1 rating for financial viability from the Regulator of Social Housing.
In addition to being awarded the Customer Service Excellence quality mark, MHA is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Image: Lee Bloomfield, CEO, Manningham Housing Association
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