After five decades of trading, the Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford is set to shut its doors for good. The centre will permanently close on June 18, 2026, ahead of planned demolition, marking the end of an era for the city's brutalist landmark.
Final Days of Trading
Several shops within the centre, which first opened in 1976, have already ceased trading or announced their final closure dates. A handwritten notice on the Get Free Books charity shop states: "Due to the planned demolition works to and of the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, we are sorry to have to announce the charity shop's closure. 13th June 2026 will be our last trading day."
The New Look clothing retailer closed on Monday, with a notice reading: "Thanks for having us, Bradford. This store will be closing on Monday 8th June." Pound Bakery, located just outside the centre, ceased operations at the weekend, directing customers to Leeds and Halifax.
History and Architecture
Originally called the Arndale Centre, the mall won a European award from the International Council of Shopping Centres shortly after opening. It is known for its brutalist architecture and was once dubbed Bradford's "space-age shopping centre." However, in recent years, the centre faced mounting pressure, particularly after the launch of the Broadway Shopping Centre in late 2015. Attempts to secure listed status failed, with Historic England describing the building as "lacking architectural flair."
Council's Decision
Bradford Council has opted to demolish the centre. A council spokesperson said: "We know there will be some affection for the Kirkgate Centre, it has been part of our city centre for decades. However, towns and city centres have been changing across the country for many years now and we started remodelling our city centre due to the seismic shift in retail trends some time ago. City centres now need much more than retail. To be successful, they need a mix of leisure, homes, business spaces, as well as hubs for culture and education. We're already seeing this come to life in Bradford with the launch of Bradford Live, our stunning new entertainment venue and the new, fully occupied, award-winning Darley Street Market. The Kirkgate Shopping Centre will close later this year ahead of demolition starting towards the end of 2026."
