Putting Bradford's name in lights
Successful regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Making successful places means understanding the value people bring.
We help bring our Urban Splash places to life with art. Over the past three decades we’ve collaborated with a range of brilliant designers (see some of them here) – featuring their works in our neighbourhoods. This past week, we extended that with a new installation at Lister Mills in the Manningham area of Bradford.
My much-loved hometown, Bradford is currently on the shortlist for the 2025 UK City of Culture, so to help the city’s bid for the 2025 title the Brick Box CIC launched this three-day light installation to light up Listers’ iconic Italianate chimney.
Over the course of the event, the 76-m high structure was emblazoned with and archive footage and photographs, celebrating the rich cultures of its community here – from the experiences of past mill workers to the dreams of local school children in the 20-minute show. It also showed just how prominent this building was as the “beating heart” of the local textile industry. And, in spite of the weather, it was great to see so many people turn out to see the display.
As a local I’m fortunate enough to know lots about the building, but it was a chance to spread these brilliant Manningham stories even further, engaging visitors with one of the most beautiful structures in Bradford – if not the whole of Yorkshire.
I am delighted that Urban Splash opted to support the project alongside the Arts Council England, Bradford Council and Historic England and hope it inspires even more people to find out more about our city’s rich industrial heritage.
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