Naturalising Bradford Beck Scheme

Since the public engagement in 2022 (click here to view details of the public engagement), the project has evolved considerably. Cost estimates indicated that the project was likely to be over budget due to the large volumes of soil that would need to be removed to create the new channel. With survey information indicating that much of this soil was contaminated the costs became unaffordable.

In order to reduce costs, the scheme has been amended to reduce the total volume of material that needs to be excavated. This will reduce costs, shorten the duration of construction works and minimise disruption whilst delivering on the aims of the project.

Amended Design

Click to view the amended designs: North of Beck, South of Beck.

The new channel will now be constructed where the eastern side of the existing culvert is located. This is closer to Valley Road than previously planned and will allow the existing greenway to be retained in its current location. The east bank will slope gently down to the channel edge with a wetland margin, meadow areas, and tree planting implemented to enhance wildlife value. A footpath will branch off the greenway to a new seating area that will overlook the beck.

The west side of the beck will be a retaining wall and bank. The wall will be seeded with wildflower species to soften its appearance and enhance wildlife value.

Above the wall a sloping meadow area will rise up to Valley Road. This will be enhanced with woodland planting to increase wildlife value. Whilst the west bank is steeper than originally envisaged the scheme will deliver the linear park originally proposed with the flood mitigation and wildlife gains desired by stakeholders.

Possible Disruptions

The revised scheme is less extensive then previously planned and as a result there will be less disruption. The greenway will remain open for the duration of the works so the proposed diversion is no longer required. However, because most of the excavated materials is now being removed to a tip there will be an increase in vehicular movements adjacent to the site.

Next Steps

The project team is currently working with a contractor to develop detailed plans for the delivery of the scheme.

Work is expected to start alongside the main Bradford Shipley Route Improvement Scheme.

Information will be updated on this webpage as the scheme progresses.

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