Heritage alarm as Betfred slapped with sign on historic Bradford building
Betfred’s bold new sign sparks row in Bradford
Plans are under fire after a bright blue Betfred sign appeared on a landmark building in Bradford’s Market Street – the old Brown Muff department store. The flashy vinyl banner, plastered with sports images, went up without the usual planning permission or advertising consent, local heritage groups and Bradford Council reveal.
‘Harrods of the North’ building at risk
The grand old building, once dubbed the “Harrods of the North,” opened in the 1870s. It housed Brown Muff before becoming Rackhams in 1977 and later a House of Fraser store until 1995. Now, its upper floors stand mostly empty, while the ground floor hosts several shops, including Café Nero, Lefteris Café, Nationwide, and the controversial Betfred betting shop, famed for its tempting Betfred free bet offers.
Bradford Civic Society sounds the alarm
The Bradford Civic Society slammed the sign as a possible breach of heritage rules in a Conservation Area. Bradford Council promises a swift investigation by its planning team. A Betfred spokesperson reassured they would cooperate fully with any inquiries.
Preserving Bradford’s historic charm at risk
Heritage campaigners warn this isn’t an isolated issue. The Civic Society recently condemned Cash Generator’s loud signage on Pearl Assurance House – a Grade II listed 1870s building – calling it “garish” and a threat to the city’s architectural legacy. Si Cunningham, chairman of the Society, stressed, “The way a shop or a street looks has a huge impact on how people feel.”
These disputes highlight the tough balancing act between modern business demands and protecting Bradford’s cherished historic streetscape amid ongoing pedestrianisation efforts.
