Bradford Forster Square Arches Art Project: Installation Nearing End

The railway arches near Bradford Forster Square had homeless residents. People sought shelter in these ten arches for years. Last year, they planned to seal the arches off, using three-meter-high decorated panels and new lights.

Network Rail funds the project, as they own and maintain the arches. Bradford Council is undertaking the construction work, expecting the area to be better for the public. Fences went up months ago around the arches.

Progress seemed slow at first, with the council planning to finish before the City of Culture year. In December, large metal frames were installed. The Council aimed to finish work by January 31.

The newspaper checked the arches this week and found the fences are still in place. A council person shared an update noting the installation is now mostly complete and the fencing will be removed very soon. They will wash down the gates to finish.

Plans to block these arches were controversial. Bradford Council said they find housing for displaced people while homeless charities worried about the loss of shelter. Many homeless people used the arches.

One person, Lee, used them for about a year, saying they felt like a family and safe there. Another person, Paul, used them for years, off and on. Paul said street life is hard and he also felt safer at the arches. The Council has stated that arches are not a good living space and people deserve proper sanitary facilities.