Like all the best ideas, the World Mile is simple.
Starting in Bradford's city centre, the World Mile is a collection of shops, cafes, restaurants and markets.
Together, they mirror the cultural diversity of our wonderful city - boasting more than 60 spoken languages!
Visitors from all over the UK come to visit the World Mile. It is accessible, attractively presented and continues to grow.
The World Mile has a project team which encourages, supports and oversees investment into the area. The team assists with development and marketing initiatives to improve the area.
Working closely with our partners, we help local businesses grow. Our aim is to create a visitor attraction that will be a jewel in Yorkshire's crown.
To discover more click on the points below.
- What is the World Mile Concept?
- Why is it important to the City?
- Where is the World Mile?
- Building on existing successes
- Delivery Strategy
- Who is involved?
- What has been done so far?
- What do people think?
What is the World Mile Concept?
The Vision is to further develop the World Mile as a vibrant and distinctive retail and cultural destination in the city centre that attracts increasing numbers of visitors from the UK and abroad.
Why is it important to the City?
The World Mile complements other areas of the city centre and helps to build a sustainable future for this part of the city. It builds on the entrepreneurial strengths of the existing business community and encourages new business to locate here. This will extend the varied and vibrant retail mix that already exists here.
Where is the World Mile?
The World Mile is 1.18 miles long and runs from Ivegate in the city centre past Westgate and onto the White Abbey Road up to the junction with Carlisle Road.
Building on existing successes
- The World Mile contains the twin city attractions of the White Abbey Road South Asian boutiques and the bustling market at the Oastler Centre.
- The World Mile vision is a natural extension of what is already in the area.
- View a selection of images
Delivery Strategy
- The project team and active World Mile Traders Association work together to deliver the Vision.
- Providing support and advice for businesses
- Encourage and support incremental small scale improvements as well as more ambitious long term plans
- Develop plans for key sites and projects
- Maximise partnership working and funding
- Carry out public realm improvements
- Plan and deliver events
Who is involved?
- Public and private sector partnership
- World Mile Traders Association
- World Mile Traders
- Bradford Council
- Bradford Kickstart
- Yorkshire Forward
- Bradford European Forum
- ATL Yorkshire Ltd
- Bradford Chamber of Commerce
What has been done so far?
- Feasibility Study completed 2007
- Business survey carried out
- Delivering business advice
- Traders Association formed
- Public realm schemes on site
- Branding and marketing activities undertaken
- Demonstration projects being developed
- World Mile Festival 2009
- Banners project 2009
What do people think?
Saleem Kader – MD of Bombay Stores and Suits Me on the World Mile:
"The World Mile idea isn't a pipe dream, we are not dependent on massive investment from outside the city. As a retailer who already has premises on the World Mile, I've bought into the idea and I'm not the only one.
The World Mile is about building on Bradford's strengths, it is about the organic growth of what is already in the city – a cosmopolitan culture, an entrepreneurial spirit and a history as a centre of retail and commerce.
It's about working together, both the public and private sector, in order to deliver something for the city. It is about partnership."
John Poltorak – Co Owner of Balanga Polish bar, restaurant, and music venue on the World Mile:
"There is such a range of cultures here in Bradford it is good to see that the World Mile project is aiming to celebrate the diversity and provide local people with a truly multi-cultural retail offering. I am looking forward to working with the World Mile project to develop this important area of the city centre, over the coming months and years."
Nick Ackroyd - World Mile Project Manager:
"It's great to be working with Bradford businesses who are enthusiastic about making the World Mile an even more memorable destination."
Ed Stanners – Vice Chair of World Mile Steering Group:
"I firmly believe the World Mile has the potential to become a renowned national and European destination."
Mike Cowlam – Assistant Director of Regeneration CBMDC:
"The World Mile will be a unique asset in not only the city but the region. It builds on Bradford's natural strengths of cultural - diversity and business acumen."
