Bradford Forster Square arches: Update on art project

For several years, the 10 arches leading to Bradford Forster Square railway station were regularly used by homeless people and rough sleepers.

But at the start of last year, it was announced the arches would be sealed off by three-metre-high decorated panels, with new lighting inside.

The work is being funded by Network Rail, which owns and maintains the arches, and carried out by Bradford Council, which said the changes would lead to a “much improved public realm” around the station.

The arches were fenced off months ago – and until recently there was little sign of any progress, despite the Council saying work would be completed in time for Bradford’s City of Culture year.

In December, large metal frames were installed at the arches as part of the project.

Last month, the Council said the work would be completed by January 31.

The Telegraph & Argus visited the arches earlier this week and saw fencing still in place.

Asked for an update on the project, a Council spokesperson said: “The installation has reached practical completion, and as such the fencing will be removed imminently. 

“The finishing touches, including washing down the gates, will then be carried out to complete the project.”

The plans to fence off the arches caused huge controversy when they were announced. 

At the time, Bradford Council said it would work to find accommodation for anyone moved on from the site.

But homeless charities raised concerns that shelter used by numerous people was being lost.

The T&A also spoke to a number of people who used the arches.

One man, called Lee, said: “I’ve used the arches for a year or so.

“There’s a sense of community here – we’re like family.

“We feel safe here.”

Another man, Paul, said he had used the arches on and off for four-and-a-half years.

He spoke of the difficulties of living on the streets and said he felt safe when he was at the arches.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said railway arches were not a suitable place for people to live.

They added: “As a society, we simply should not tolerate having our fellow citizens living in arches without water and sanitary facilities.”