Grants aim to bring 'cafe culture' to city centre

City centre businesses have been awarded grants to allow them to invest in outdoor seating areas and bring "café culture" to Bradford.

Six businesses including pubs and cafes received funding from Bradford Council to install outdoor furniture and equipment "to help the visitor economy" in the pedestrianised city centre, the authority said.

The grants, totalling about £18,000, have helped the businesses expand their offer by using outside spaces on the newly traffic-free areas such as Market Street and Bridge Street.

The pilot scheme has now been extended for a further six months to give other businesses in the area the opportunity to apply for funding.

Businesses awarded funding so far this year are: The Exchange Craft Beer House, SAPA Supermarket and The Old Bank pub, all on Market Street.

The Ginger Goose pub on the corner of Market Street and Bridge Street, and both Tiffin Coffee and Lela's Café on Bank Street were also part of the scheme.

Businesses purchased items such as tables and chairs, planters, signage, lighting and cover installation costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Eligible businesses on Market Street, Bank Street, Broadway, Bridge Street, Hall Ings and Tyrrel Street can apply for funding.

Grants between £500 and £3,000 are available, providing up to 90% of the total cost of the equipment.

The lengthy project to pedestrianise a swathe of city centre streets was completed last spring, and several traders have already introduced outdoor seating.

In 2025, an outdoor seating area was introduced at the cafe at St George's Hall on Hall Ings.

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