Bradford’s historic Little Germany sets its sights on a new chapter
Following the completion of a successful round of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, a team led by Impact Hub Bradford has revealed plans to regenerate the city’s historic mercantile quarter, Little Germany.
Home to 55 Grade 2 Listed buildings, the area is home to one of the most remarkable heritage destinations in the country and is known as having the highest concentration of protected buildings per square mile.
The business and community-focussed organisation has led efforts to help revitalise the area, thanks to a collaborative project with the newly formed stakeholder group.
The steering group – which is headed up by Kamran Rashid, CEO of Impact Hub Bradford and chaired by James Mason, CEO of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce – was formed with a focus on placemaking, business development, and the integration of local communities. In partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders—including businesses, local organisations, and cultural enterprises—the team aims to bring both the public and businesses back to the area, celebrating the role it played in the region’s historic prosperity.
To showcase the rich architectural character of the area, a special invite-only Heritage Day is planned for May, to welcome local businesses, stakeholders, and residents to the area.
Commenting on the ambitious plans, Kamran Rashid, CEO of Impact Hub Bradford, said: “Work that will help drive a prosperous future for Little Germany is progressing at pace, with a clear vision to develop the area into a vibrant and thriving part of Bradford’s city centre. The collective efforts of the steering group, supported by a significant pot of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will ensure that Little Germany’s future will be both sustainable and community driven.
“As Bradford’s future unfolds, Little Germany will undoubtedly be a key player in shaping the city’s heritage and economic landscape for generations to come.”
The resurgence of Little Germany has already begun to capture the attention of members of the public, the business community and the creative industries. The area has also gained recognition as a filming location, with popular productions like Peaky Blinders using the district as a backdrop.
James Mason, chairman of the steering group, said: “Little Germany’s social and architectural heritage provides a perfect backdrop for innovation, making it the perfect office location, studio or workspace. The buildings here need to be celebrated and protected, making the area ideal for forward-thinking organisations like the Chamber and Impact Hub Bradford. This blend of old and new makes the area an attractive location for growing businesses and a promising opportunity for the hospitality sector.
“This blend of history, culture, and modern-day appeal ensures that Little Germany will continue to attract both visitors and businesses, contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of Bradford.”
Impact Hub Bradford is part of a wider global network, aimed at building a regenerative economy where business and profit serve people and the planet.
The project team will be rolling out a number of new initiatives over the coming months to help reinvigorate interest in the historic quarter, including new Bradford Civic Society blue plaques, improved wayfinding, new heritage walks and self-guided trails, new public art, and a new website to help promote Little Germany as a destination. The team has been working with other agencies such as Bradford BID to ensure that the area is benefitting for regular cleansing and efforts to boost public safety.
The project has also involved working closely with local designer Jimmy Smith — who recently created Bradford’s striking new street and boundary sign designs — to produce a new eye-catching visual identity for the area.
The project is looking to drive inward investment through the launch of a new website, and further details will be revealed at the UK Real Estate Infrastructure and Investment Forum (UKREiiF) in May.
To find out more about the project, visit: https://www.littlegermany.uk/