Is the destiny of the ignored streets finally changing?

The Rawson Place features spectacular Victorian buildings, pedestrian squares and more modern shopping units.

However, in recent years the area has been plagued by empty units, some of which have been in poor repairs, and the Bradford Civic Association has called it the “most risky street” in the city centre.

The area has Smolgasboard, one of Bradford's most popular cafes, but in recent years most of the streets have been neglected and known for their derelict buildings than the listed Victorian architecture.

It got worse as nearby B&M stores closed and the collapse of shopping chain Wilco continued.

However, there have been signs recently that the streets could turn their fortune around.

Work has begun on renovations to two listed units on the street, and several new businesses have opened in Rawson Place in the past few months.

The Bradford Dementia Hub opened in one of the Heritage units, with John J Cafeteria and a new barber shop open to others.

Dessert Shop Chocomee opened earlier this year, and the popular Market Food Stole Kebab Corner is set to open soon at the former Lawson Hotel on the top of the street.

Plans to renovate the vacant 8 Lawson location – by maintaining business use on the first floor and changing the upper floors to flat, it is considered one of the city's most gli storefronts.

And earlier this year, plans were approved to renovate the first floor shop unit at the vacant 6 Rawson Place and turn the upper floor into a flat.

Work is underway to renovate eight Rawson Places, with plans to renovate a plan that recently approved the 6 Rawson Places in the neighborhood (pictured by: T&A).

Rawson Place is one of the cities that was targeted by Townscape's heritage scheme. This is a scheme that funds the Bradford Council lottery, where building owners can apply for financial assistance to restore the building to its original splendor.

“We are pleased to announce that we are a great opportunity to see the community,” said Si Cunningham, chairman of the Bradford Civic Association. “It really encourages me to see a little more activity at Rawson Place.

“The council's townscape heritage scheme helped bring life to some of the more dilapidated buildings. The improvements in the nearby public sphere have also helped. Compared to the look of a decade ago, it is certainly a massive improvement.

“I hope that the new business will be successful.”