It is wonderful to be here in Bradford, just a few miles away from where I grew up. The City has of course a rich commercial history dating from the Industrial Revolution. Back then, it was a thriving hub for textiles and other manufacturing industries. The City’s architecture bears witness to the rich civic investment that took place around this time, with the public and private sector often working in partnership. The decline of the UK textiles industry from the mid - 20th century was mirrored in Bradfo rd’s own fortunes. Like many industrial cities, Bradford went through a wrenching transition and still bears some ... (full story)