Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford is set to close its doors forever after 50 years of operation. The centre will permanently shut on June 18, according to reports, with many stores already closing or announcing imminent closure dates.
Store Closures Underway
A hand-written sign posted on the window of the Get Free Books shop reads: '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 store closed on Monday, with a sign stating: 'Thanks for having us, Bradford. This store will be closing on Monday 8th June.' Pound Bakery, located just outside the centre, closed at the weekend, advising customers that the nearest shops are now in Leeds and Halifax.
A Historic Centre
The mall, originally known as the Arndale Centre, opened in 1976 and won a European award from the International Council of Shopping Centres shortly after. Known for its brutalist architecture, it has been described as Bradford's 'space-age shopping centre'. However, the opening of Broadway Shopping Centre in late 2015 posed a threat to its long-term viability.
Demolition Plans
Bradford Council decided to demolish the centre after failed listing attempts. Historic England described the building as 'lacking architectural flair'. A council spokesperson said in April: '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.' Demolition is expected to start towards the end of 2026.
