Latest news with #DarleyStreetMarket
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The ghost town centre with more abandoned shops than nearly every city in the UK as locals blame drug addicts, high rents... and EACH OTHER
Bradford may have been crowned City of Culture but its shopping streets have been devastated by a slump which has led to stores being boarded up across the town. The West Yorkshire district has more empty shops than nearly every other city in the UK and double those in London and Cambridge, according to a new think tank study. Bradford Council is now gambling the town's retail future on a multi million pound strategy to reverse the decline. The idea is to replace the city's Oestler and Kirkgate Markets with the new Darley Street market which opened this week creating 1,000 new homes in the process. The two markets closed last month as part of a scheme which will also see the demotion of the Oestler Centre and eventually the Kirkgate Shopping Centre. With Darley Street Market welcoming its first customers this week Mail Online visited the town to see if optimism is in the air. We found a city centre that is a real Curate's Egg of a retail experience. Some shopping streets are swarming with shoppers and the atmosphere seems vibrant. But around every corner is a boarded up shop. The Oeastler Centre stands derelict amid a maze of deserted streets. Across town, traders at the Kirkgate Centre reckon it will not be long before it also becomes a concrete shell to be flattened by the bulldozers. Many areas are now wall to wall betting shops, vape stores, and nail bars, squeezing out local cafes, corner shops and even designer jewellery stores. Several shops are reduced to selling tat for pittance to survive including bunches of fake flowers for £1. Last year, the city centre suffered another blow when Marks and Spencer closed its branch in the Broadway shopping centre. Debenhams also closed its store in the Broadway in 2021 when the stores closed nationwide and the brand was snapped up by Boohoo for online sales. Meanwhile, High Street names have continued to disappear from the city, possibly for good. One the latest casualties of the slump has been Dunkin' Donuts, near the entrance to the Broadway. It closed without warning this week, leaving customers stunned including Sophie Webster, 29. She said: 'There are so many shops closing. I am born and bred here but I normally shop in Keighley town centre. I am only here now because I am at work. 'My favourite coffee shop Dunkin' Donuts closed on Tuesday. There was no warning. it just shut so I don't know what that was about. 'Most shops in Broadway will only be open for a few months or a year and then close and become something else. 'Taco Bell has shut as well and I have no idea why. They didn't put anything where Burger king used to be and all the food places are going. 'Some places are not getting enough customers to pay the rent. Dunkin' Donuts was never that busy. But Taco Bell was, I don't know what happened there. But it seems something will open and then close again so its all a bit rubbish.' John Henry Brown, 69, said: 'I was born in Bradford in 1956 and I have not been out of Bradford in the 69 years since. 'The state of the place now is atrocious. They have blocked so many roads off it has stopped a lot of disabled people getting into town on the bus. 'Yet they are calling it the City of Culture. Where is the culture? It is just crap. 'The new market is very expensive. If you want a chocolate eclair it is going to cost you a fiver. 'They are supposed to be pulling a lot of the shops down to turn into houses but they already have so many empty properties they could turn into flats. 'Demolishing the empty shopping centres is going to cost millions and it is just a waste of money.' Josephine Eastwood said: 'You will be surprised how many people who live in Bradford will say to you "Oh, we don't go to Bradford to shop". 'We go to Leeds for our shopping and a lot of people go to Harrogate as well, like we do. It is not just the shortage of shops it is the smell of the drugs people are smoking. 'That's put me off as well. Then, you can guarantee someone will stop you and ask you if you have any money. 'It is not just a one off, and that's what puts people off coming here as well. 'Me and my husband shop in Harrogate all the time and never once have we had the problems we have here in Bradford.' The store is on the historic site of the A Fattorini The Jewellers, which made the FA Cup Trophy won by the Bantams but closed for good in 2021 after 190 years in Yorkshire A former Gold Connection Rolex dealers is now a pop-up shop selling cushions for £3 and head scarves for £1. The store is on the historic site of the A Fattorini The Jewellers, which made the FA Cup Trophy won by the Bantams but closed for good in 2021 after 190 years in Yorkshire. A man browsing the £3 cushions, who refused to be named, said: 'This used to be the best jeweller's shop in Bradford. Now it has all gone downhill. 'I blame people with cars travelling to out of town shopping centres That's why all the corner shops have closed down.' Many shoppers were in town to check out the city's new Darley Street market which opened this week. The much trumpeted state-of-the-art complex is being hailed by council bosses as a major boost to the flagging retail sector. Catherine Bagnall, 76, added: 'The shops around here are rubbish. Marks and Spencers closed down because of all the shoplifters. 'We are lost without Marks and Spencers. That was the only thing worth coming into town for. We are only here today to see what the new market is like. 'Bradford is not what it used to be. There are too many people high on spice. Your heart is in your mouth every time you hear someone behind you.' Among the first visitors to the new market were Jordan Fry, 29, and Rowan Tordoff, 27, and neither was impressed. Jordan said: 'The new market is not too bad. But there are not a lot of shops in there either. It is the first time I have been in the city centre in ages. 'We have only come to see the new market. When I was a younger I used to love going up and down the high streets. 'The new market is nice. But I don't know if there are more shops that are going to open up. Inside, there are three or four butchers, a fruit place and the rest is fabrics. 'We walked in five minutes ago, had a quick look, and came straight back out again.' Nodding in agreement, Rowan added: 'The new market looks a lot better than the rest of Bradford does. 'But I would rather go shopping in Leeds because there is more there. The shops in Bradford are all the same shops. 'I only came in for a spot of breakfast and to see the new market but it has been a bit of waste of time. 'The Kirkgate Centre is still open there is just not a lot in there now. Most of them have moved to Broadway or into the new market.' Abdul Pandor, 70, has been selling watches in the Kirkgate Centre for 15 years. He said: 'We had a really good business. 'Then over time things changed. Covid did not help but shopping has changed over time. 'They are selling stuff online cheaper than I can buy wholesale and I cannot beat that and survive when I have to pay rent and wages. 'We are keeping going for as long as I can then I will head away into the sunset. 'Fifteen years ago we were always busy but we are so quiet now. 'Young kids nowadays don't want watches anymore so we repair more than we sell.' Alec Janow, 63, was one of the only people window shopping in the nearly deserted streets leading to the city's former Oastler Centre. After decades of trading it closed on June 28 along with the Kirkgate Market. Both are facing demolition to make way for the Darley Street market. Mr Janow said: 'The whole place has gone to cock. I was born and bred around here and it has all gone downhill. 'The shops have been driven out by high rents and all the shoplifters. The new market is all very well but I think the place is too far gone.'
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Every single trader in Bradford's new Darley Street Market
Bradford's new Darley Street Market has officially opened its doors to shoppers - but do you know what's on every floor? The food court on the top floor has 13 traders serving anything from Turkish coffee and baklava to jerk chicken and sushi. The Fresh Food floor is home to 16 stalls - some old, some new - where shoppers can buy groceries, light snacks, meat and fish, and more. The ground floor is where all things 'lifestyle' can be found across 27 stalls. Here's a full list of shops and traders that can be found at Darley Street Market… View from the food court's outdoor balcony (Image: Newsquest) Perc Up! - Turkish coffee, cakes, baklava or a square of exquisite Turkish delight. Delise Desserts - sweet treats in the form of pancakes, waffles, ice cream and milkshakes. Jenny's Jerk Chicken - authentic Caribbean food including curry goat, rice and peas, saltfish and their signature jerk chicken. Sushi Home Town - the flavours of Japan and Nepal in the form of fresh sushi and sashimi, ramen, yakisoba noodles, bao buns, and dishes from Nepal. Eat Like A Greek - hot fluffy gyros pitta wraps filled with homemade tzatziki, fresh salad and a choice of lamb, pork, chicken, halloumi or falafel alongside a range of sides. Ayubowan - authentic Sri Lankan cuisine such as aromatic curries, sizzling street food, or refreshing tropical drinks. Northern Monk - this bar will feature 10 different taps that will be pouring their core range of craft beers, including hazy pale ale, Faith, and special releases. The bar will also carry wines and spirits as well as cocktails, mocktails and a wide range of non-alcoholic and soft drinks. Mexi Bean Express - flavours of Mexico including the classics like tacos and burritos. Friesday - Belgian Fries with a selection of gourmet sauces and toppings. Taste of Thai - flavours of Thailand in the form of appetisers, stir fries, curries and stir-fried noodles. Il Forno Pizzeria - wood-fired pizzas crafted with authentic ingredients and using traditional family recipes. Babtooma Express - authentic Syrian flavours including succulent grills and traditional mezze Mr Ts - the shop will be serving up burgers, chicken parmos, wings and tenders, as well as a range of pizzas, donner meals and sides. They also offer a shakes range, desserts or mocktails. View above the Fresh Food Hall and Lifestyle Hall (Image: Newsquest) Fruit World/ Spice World/Sweet World - fresh fruit and vegetables, spices from around the world along with sweets. Solly's Fruit and Veg - family-run greengrocer with a longstanding tradition of supplying top quality fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and other chef staples. Frikasse - the cafe will serve the flavours of Tunisia, Morrocco, and north Africa in the form of light bites, salads, soups, wraps, and snacks using recipes handed down from her mother and grandmother. Yorkshire Dama Cheese Company - multi-award-winning cheese and dairy company. The Olive Branch - Fresh olives, sourced from Turkey and Greece, deliciously marinated in herbs by Amin Soltani. Jake's Bakehouse - sourdough, freshly baked croissants, and a medley of baked treats brought to you by head baker, Sandor Bagameri, a highly acclaimed pastry chef with multiple awards. Taplins Butchers - a family-run business established in 1916 selling the freshest and finest cuts of meat at affordable prices. Ikhlas Halal Meat - this trader, who was part of Oastler Market in Bradford since 2012, is a HMC certified supplier of fresh beef, chicken, goat, lamb and mutton, beef burgers, and beef sausages. The Middle Eastern Pantry - a place for store cupboard staples which can be used to create authentic classic and contemporary Middle Eastern dishes. Priestley's Fish - Priestley Fish have been trading independently as a successful family fishmonger in Bradford since 1911 and during that time have become renowned for high quality fresh products. They have suppliers around the country from the ports of Brixham, Looe, Fleetwood, Peterhead and Bridlington. Tropikal Foods Ltd - comprehensive range of Afro-Caribbean food including tinned, dried and fresh ingredients. Keto Home Bakery - array of all-natural, low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, paleo keto-friendly sweet and savoury baked goods. Food Savers Cookery School Run by Inn Churches - the cookery school will be teaching people how to make fresh, tasty meals from scratch for themselves and their families. There will be courses and workshops for community groups and schools, as well as open access sessions that anybody can book on. Roswithas Deli - Oastler Market legend Gunther has brought a huge range of continental produce, delicious foods from all over Europe and beyond including slices of cheesecake. Frulise - an array of healthy breakfasts and snacks including fruit bowls, yoghurt, and nutritious oat bowls with lots of different toppings. Dale Farm Foods - range of pies including their award-winning pork pies. As well as cooked meats like ham, topside of beef, roast turkey and roast pork as well as prime bacon and sausages. Juice - fresh and healthy fruit and veg juices, smoothies and crushes giving bursts of flavours using all natural ingredients. Blossoms on Darley Street - the florist is expanding from their shop on newly pedestrianised, Market Street. It sells exquisite hand-tied bouquets, plants and gifts. They can send flowers nationally and also create flowers for funerals, weddings and corporate event styling. The Nail Fairy - a former Kirkgate Market trader, the shop will offer all types of nail treatments in popular and classic styles. Hair Creations Unisex - the place for Afro-Caribbean hair, weaving, extensions, hair relaxing, braids, kinky and twist, cornrow, Ghana and crochet braid. The Make-Up Stall - this former Kirkgate Market trader is selling perfumes and make-up and accessories. HN Bedding & Curtains - the trader is selling bedding including sheets, matching duvet sets and throws as well as a wide range of curtains. H&K Fashions - this shop will be selling a wide range of printed and plain fabrics both loose and off the roll as well as contemporary ready-made South Asian ladies clothing. It also has a shop on Darley Street itself. Jajja Fashions - contemporary and classic styles of South Asian ladies clothing. A&J Shoe Repairs - established in 1987, the professional cobbler offers a wide range of shoe repair services to help to extend the life of your shoes and boots. They also offer key cutting, engraving and luggage. Finesse Jewellers - Jewellery and watch retailer which also offers an in house clock and watch repair service. They also sell a wide range of watch straps and batteries including a fitting service. Gold Gift Shop - people can browse a range of gold jewellery and gold designs. Symbian Technology limited - mobile phone repairs and accessories. BK Hardware - shoppers can browse all kinds of hardware and DIY supplies and accessories. Mr Jeans Outlet - quality denim at lower prices as well as a range of polo's, shirts, and more The Curtain Shop - a family run business with wide range of readymade curtains, nets and accessories. HS Fashions - a shop catering for those looking for knitwear, cardigans and jumpers, formerly of Oastler Market. Ann's Haberdashery & Handicrafts - people can find a range of great quality yarns threads, fancy lace, ribbons and all sorts of haberdashery supplies, craft kits and gifts for crochet and knitting projects. BSX - people can buy, sell and exchange computer games, games consoles and offer a repair service. Beauty Spot Warehouse - a place for hair extensions, accessories and beauty supplies, as well as a body piercing service and jewellery. Caz Domestics - a shop selling reconditioned domestic appliances with a full installation service by qualified engineers. Travel Style - a variety of handbags, bags and suitcases are sold here. Kammi's Necessities - this stall features a wide range of underwear and hosiery as well as hats, scarves and gloves. The Oud Project - the home of Arabian inspired perfumes and scents. The Beauty Bar - this shop specialises in eyebrows, facials, waxing and other beauty services. Mystic Brows Ltd - a place where people can get specialist eyebrow services from an experienced professional. Mehran Hair Studio Unisex - a new ladies and gent's stylist. Pop Specs Pop Specs - an eyewear brand focused on affordable and stylish service. In 2024, the company secured investment from Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies when the appeared on the BBC programme Dragons' Den. Caffe Brigante - the Leeds favourite is bringing its popular authentic Italian pastries, savoury bites, proper Italian coffee and desserts to the market. It has seven flavours of tiramisu as well as traditional full English breakfast and bacon sandwiches. Nourish Deli - this cafe serves up tasty sandwiches, salad bowls, jacket potatoes and delicious desserts. This list was provided by Bradford Council.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New market and food hall opening brought forward
The opening date for Bradford's Darley Street Market has been brought forward to 10 July. The market was due to open on Saturday, with two days of events scheduled, but the first day of trading will now be Thursday. Darley Street Market replaces Kirkgate Market and Oastler Market, which closed on 28 June. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport said: "The weekend is going to be so busy, it was important to give traders the time with a soft launch of two days during the week." Darley Street Market will officially be open for business from 10 July at 10:30 BST. From 11 July the opening hours for the Fresh Food Hall and Lifestyle Hall will be from 09:00 BST to 17:30 BST Monday to Saturday Darley Street Kitchen will be open from 11:00 BST; closing at 21:00 BST from Monday to Thursday; 22:00 BST on Friday and Saturday; and 20:00 BST on Sunday. A food court is on the top floor with stalls offering diverse cuisines including Mexican, Greek, Italian and Thai. West Yorkshire brewery Northern Monk is also represented at the market, selling beer in the city it came from. The middle floor will include butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers, while the ground floor will sell clothes, haberdashery and jewellery. Businesses from the traditional markets will move over to Darley Street, including Taplin's Butchers, Priestley Fish and Solly's fruit and veg. Both Kirkgate Market and the Oastler Centre in Bradford closed permanently on 28 June after decades of trading. The two sites are earmarked for demolition as part of a wider regeneration project, which will include the construction of new homes. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'This market was once so busy - but things have changed' Jerk chicken and Mexican stands for new market
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford's Darley Street Market opening date brought forward
The opening date for Bradford's Darley Street Market has been brought forward to 10 market was due to open on Saturday, with two days of events scheduled, but the first day of trading will now be Street Market replaces Kirkgate Market and Oastler Market, which closed on 28 June. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport said: "The weekend is going to be so busy, it was important to give traders the time with a soft launch of two days during the week." What time does Darley Street Market open? Darley Street Market will officially be open for business from 10 July at 10:30 11 July the opening hours for the Fresh Food Hall and Lifestyle Hall will be from 09:00 BST to 17:30 BST Monday to SaturdayDarley Street Kitchen will be open from 11:00 BST; closing at 21:00 BST from Monday to Thursday; 22:00 BST on Friday and Saturday; and 20:00 BST on Sunday. What stalls are in the new market? A food court is on the top floor with stalls offering diverse cuisines including Mexican, Greek, Italian and Yorkshire brewery Northern Monk is also represented at the market, selling beer in the city it came middle floor will include butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers, while the ground floor will sell clothes, haberdashery and from the traditional markets will move over to Darley Street, including Taplin's Butchers, Priestley Fish and Solly's fruit and veg. What will happen to the old markets? Both Kirkgate Market and the Oastler Centre in Bradford closed permanently on 28 June after decades of two sites are earmarked for demolition as part of a wider regeneration project, which will include the construction of new homes. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
City centre loses TWO historic markets in one day but shoppers only have to wait two weeks for swanky replacement
A CITY centre has lost two historic markets in one day but shoppers only have to wait two weeks for a swanky replacement. This weekend marked the final day of trading for stallholders at the Kirkgate and Oastler markets in Bradford. 3 3 Both markets shut on Saturday, June 28 and some traders have been offered stands at the new Darley Street Market. The historic Kirkgate Market opened in the 19th century and Oastler Market in the 1930s. Both have been important destinations over the years before online shopping saw a downturn in footfall. The old sites will eventually be demolished to make way for 1,000 new homes as part of a regeneration scheme. But after seven years Darley Market will open next month on July 12 and 13 after the scheme was first approved in 2018 by Bradford Council. The new market will feature spaces for eating, drinking, live entertainment in addition to traditional stalls. Some traders, such as the fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers and the iconic Roswitha's deli will be moving to the more modern market. People could be seen visiting Kirkgate and Oastler for the final time as they took photos around the long-standing sites. It's a historic juncture in Bradford city centre's constantly evolving story. Traders could be seen speaking with customers about what the next chapter might hold and enquiring whether they would be moving to the new market. Kamran Ali, 35, has repaired watches at Finesse Jewellers for 12 years. Based in Kirkgate Market, the jewellers has traded there for more than three decades but will now move to Darley Street. Ali told the BBC: "Bradford needs something to bring people back, the new market is, hopefully, going to help. "At the same time I'm sad, because some people here are not going to go to the new market." Kasiano Wonzer, a tailor, was not successful in applying for a new stall at the new Darley Street Market. He told the Telegraph & Argus: "This is my professional job and my life depends on this. "Since it is going to close down I am so sad, I started tailoring since I was small. "For now I've packed my things and I'll go back to my house." One couple who have run a stall at Kirkgate Market for more than 50 years, said: "It was one of the best markets in the UK." "When they opened it was a beautiful market - lovely people came, they felt so happy.' They're now packing up, giving their wares to charity and retiring. But other traders are looking into new plans after not being offered a stalls at the swanky replacement market. One trader said he was "feeling sad" and looking at the possibility of another shop but "the rent is high". He said: "Before it was busy, very nice. "The last two years, after Primark's gone, it's dead.' Fruit World opened is Oastler Market in 1994 and is also moving to Darley Market. Their team said: "It was a very good market, bustling, very busy because a lot of people used to go into the Morrisons. "Slowly over time it's kind of died down." But they said they were "very excited" to make the move and said while the new market is different, it's "beautiful" and "new over there". Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "Darley Street Market has always been significantly more than a simple like for like replacement of the markets it's replacing. "It helps modernise our retail offer, but it also reshapes the city centre with a new market square." 3
