AI 'smart tower' proposed for city centre
LDRS/SWSS Fintech LtdA £9m "smart tower" which would mix flats with AI-focused offices and have a "robotic concierge" has been proposed for Bradford city centre.
The plans for the vacant car park site off Sunbridge Road have been proposed by SWSS Fintech Ltd, which specialises in AI and blockchain research.
According to the company, the building would feature a ground floor "innovation hub", while the apartments would all have high-tech features such as AI building management systems.
Earl Owen, director of SWSS Fintech, said the proposed development aimed to integrate advanced technology infrastructure with modern residential living.
"The project is expected to support Bradford's regeneration ambitions by creating employment opportunities during construction and operation, while also providing a potential platform for technology research collaboration and student internships," he said.
'Significant investment'
The proposed development would repurpose a previously approved planning application to develop flats on a car park on Vaughan Street, between Sunbridge Road and Rebecca Street.
In March 2020, plans to build a seven-storey building with 72 apartments on the site was approved by Bradford Council.
However, other than some groundworks on the site the development never progressed.
Under the new plans, it would undergo a more modern redesign by Bradford-based 363 Architecture, but the company is yet to submit planning applications for the project.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, representatives of SWSS Fintech met bosses at Bradford Council to discuss the proposal last month.
The council welcomed the investment, pointing out the scheme was a short distance from part of the planned City Village development which includes 1,000 homes.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport on Bradford Council, said: "It was great to discuss their ambitions for Bradford and hear about the significant investment they're planning into the city.
"Their investment is planned near the boundary of our City Village area, so it's great to see how our visions align."
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