Bradford's fine City Hall which resembles an Italian palace rather than a municipal building, has been celebrated for the last 132 years

Now three radical proposals for its transformation have been unveiled. Models from three different teams of architects are on display at Bradford Central Library until January 9th and people are being asked for their comments on the plans and for their own ideas.

The winning team will be announced on January 20th and will then have to submit more detailed plans. There will be further public consultation before any decision is taken.

Although City Hall is Bradford's major public building, at present it is is not all that accessible to the public. All three proposals want to change that.

Design by Bauman Lyons with existing side elevation shown above

Leeds-based architects Bauman Lyons, who designed the futuristic bus shelters for the guided buses on Manchester Road, propose removing the Council Chamber completely and opening it up to the public as a winter garden. Alternatively the Chamber could be converted into a Living Museum.

There would also be a full sized amphitheatre with rising seats in Centenary Square.

Design by Penroyde and Prasad - This large public space would be created

London-based Penoyre and Prasad have come up with the idea of a travelling city hall, making not only the building but local democracy more accessible. This would have collapsible furniture and wireless networking so it could tour the district but it could also be moved back into City Hall when required.

They also recommend that the footbridge over Hall Ings continue into City Hall while the area in between would become a garden.

Design by Witherford Watson Mann focuses on a new public lounge

The main focus of the proposal from architects Witherford Watson Mann is for a new public lounge which would not only provide an additional showcase for the district's extensive art galleries and museum collections but incoporate some of the most popular elements now provided by the public library such as the public access computer terminals and genealogy materials.

The lounge would be created from the building's existing two light wells and a public route would be provided through the building from the back to the west entrance.

Councillor Margaret Eaton, Leader of Bradford Council, says: "We asked for innovation and clearly that's what we have got. But these plans and models are on view for the public to see and we will be listening to what they have to say."

Other suggestions include a courtyard café, shops, bars, a performance space, a small art gallery, a sculpture court, a gymnasium and an internet café in the old police cells.

Do you think that Bradford currently lacks a central heart, a true place for people to gather?

Whether you agree or disagree we want to hear from you.
Email: westyorkshire@bbc.co.uk

People who wish to comment on the models on display at Bradford Libary should go to the Capital of Culture website at:
www.bradford2008.com

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