Bradford Interchange

The challenge

The project involves a significant refurbishment of the main entrance to Bradford Interchange, alongside the creation of a new landscaped pedestrian route linking the interchange with Hall Ings. The proposals aim to improve pedestrian connectivity between rail and bus services and Bradford city centre, while supporting wider ambitions for pedestrianisation, greening, and public realm enhancement.

The scheme also forms part of preparations for Bradford’s role as UK City of Culture 2025, increasing the importance of timely delivery, high-quality design, and effective coordination across multiple stakeholders and land interests.

The site’s constrained layout, operational railway context, and complex land ownership arrangements required a carefully managed planning, land, and consents strategy.

What we did

We provided comprehensive land, planning, and consents advice, supporting the client and wider project team from early strategy through to statutory approvals. Our role included:

• Working closely with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and partner organisations to establish a clear planning and consents strategy
• Advising on rail regulatory requirements and their interaction with the planning process
• Providing guidance on party wall matters and land assembly to support delivery
• Successfully leading the client and project team through the Prior Approval process for the demolition of a former multi-storey car park structure
• Supporting design development through pre-application engagement with the Local Planning Authority
• Advising on contingency and phasing strategies where land availability could affect delivery
• Preparing a comprehensive Land & Consents Strategy, the standard and requisite document for development on or around operational railway land
• Advising on planning permissions, permitted development rights, and the stopping up (closure) of a Public Right of Way (PROW)

Why it worked

• Clear strategic framework: A robust Land & Consents Strategy provided clarity across planning, land, and rail regulatory processes
• Early problem-solving: Proactive advice on phasing, contingencies, and land risks allowed the project to progress despite site constraints
• Integrated engagement: Ongoing coordination with the local authority, rail stakeholders, and partner organisations ensured alignment and momentum
• Consents-led delivery: Successfully securing Prior Approval for demolition unlocked early works and de-risked the wider programme
• Pragmatic advice: By combining technical railway land expertise with pragmatic planning advice, we helped create a clear pathway for delivering a high-profile, transport-led public realm scheme in a complex urban environment.