A Hearty response to Park bid

artists impression of park at the heart

Bradford's plan for a city centre park that will take regeneration forward have made the short-list.

The £24 million bid to the Lottery fund is now one of a handful of schemes - down from over 20 - submitted to the Living Landmarks programme to help build specific projects across the country. A final decision will be taken next month after visits to the city by judges and presentations to a panel by leading members of the Bradford team.

It is possible that a bid could be successful without being awarded the full amount requested. If this happens, Bradford will need to address how to make up the shortfall for the plans in the Park at the Heart scheme. A 10-acre area would include a concert area, community activities, bars and cafes, and the often-talked-about mirror pool.

Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, Andrew Mallinson, said: "This is a huge step forward in the bid...we couldn't have reached this stage without [local] support and I thank everyone for the part they have played in helping us make this scheme a reality."

Total cost of the scheme is estimated at just under £30m.