Bradford City Centre sees positive growth as footfall rises 25% in early 2025
Bradford City Centre is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with both footfall and dwell time on the rise following a challenging year for local businesses.
The Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre, closely monitors a range of performance indicators. Figures from the first quarter of 2025 (January–March) reveal that footfall has increased by 25% compared to the same period in 2024. This welcome uplift follows significant public realm improvements delivered through the £48 million Transforming Cities investment, and the impact of the unexpected closure of Bradford Interchange.
Dwell time—the amount of time people spend in the city centre—is also gradually improving. Research shows that people are more likely to stay longer in green, welcoming spaces. The Transforming Cities project has helped create just that by removing heavy inner-city traffic and introducing new seating, planters, trees, and grassed areas, making the environment more pleasant and inviting for residents and visitors alike.
Jonny Noble, Chief Executive of Bradford BID, commented:
“There is no doubt that 2024 was a tough year for city centre businesses due to ongoing roadworks and the sudden closure of the Interchange. However we’re now seeing strong signs of recovery.
We know there’s still work to do, and we’re under no illusions—regenerating the city centre takes time and continued effort. But with a packed programme of events from partners such as the BID, the UK City of Culture 2025 team, and the local authority, we’re optimistic about further increases in footfall, dwell time, and overall business confidence.”
Local traders are already noticing a difference on the ground. One independent retailer, Terence Igbokwe, Manager at Lefteris coffee shop, said:
“We’ve definitely been busier over the past couple of months than at the same time last year. Customers keep telling us how much better the city centre looks and feels since the works were completed. We’d recommend people come down and see the transformation for themselves!”
With Bradford Live preparing to open its doors this autumn and Darley Street Market set to launch this summer, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the city.
Jonny Noble added:
“We already have some fantastic venues and independent businesses in place. The spotlight is firmly on Bradford as we celebrate our designation as UK City of Culture 2025, and we must seize every opportunity that brings. There are exciting times ahead.”
Initial results for Qtr. 2 are also looking promising, with preliminary footfall figures at the recent Super Soapbox Challenge up 46% on a comparative weekend.