TRADING PLACES
Images and reflections about Bradford's Kirkgate and Oastler Markets ahead of the planned transition to Darley Street
Bradford is UK City of Culture throughout 2025. In July, two longestablished covered markets move from their existing sites to a new, purpose-built location as part of a wider urban regeneration scheme. This photography project documented the final year of the old markets before the shutters closed forever. One of the traders shared this on an audio-visual version of this photobook:
‘The demographic of Bradford is a very wonderful mix of all walks of life – and that’s very important. As a grocery business dealing in fresh items, we have to service the public and there’s so many different requirements … we adapt our business as things change over the years in Bradford. It’s just nice to be a community greengrocer.’
Promotional material for the new Darley Street Market explains it is intended to ‘provide a home for passionate, independent traders’.
I hope my photographs gives a sense of the spirit that no online store or out-of-town shopping centre could replicate. They could neither curate such immaculate displays nor cultivate trust-based relationships with their customers – one of whom puts it this way:
‘It has a different feel to it. It’s more laid-back … You don’t feel pushed into anything. They’re just nice old places with a bit of something about them. I just like to nosey about to see what changes have been made, for as long as they last, because nought lasts forever does it? I just like it.’
Gerard Liston. June 2025
