Parliamentary Delegation Visits Bradford College on Cultural Tour

Inquiry explores cultural impact and investment in the North of England

A delegation comprising members of the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Northern cultural leaders visited Bradford College as part of the Northern Culture Untapped Inquiry. The visit, which took place in March 2026, was aimed at assessing the cultural sector’s contribution to the UK economy and exploring ways to maximise its potential in the North of England.

Visit highlights Bradford’s cultural and educational facilities

The group began their tour at Centenary Square before moving to Bradford College, where they were shown the college’s fashion, textiles, and media make-up facilities. They also visited the Producing Academy, which includes podcasting, TV, and music studios. The college’s role in supporting creative development and retaining talent in the North was a key focus during the visit.

Following the college tour, the delegation proceeded to the National Science and Media Museum to view exhibits including the new Sound and Vision Gallery. The day concluded with an oral evidence session at Bradford Arts Centre, where discussions centred on unlocking Northern culture, developing skills pipelines, and the role of devolved budgets in regeneration and innovation.

Oral evidence session features regional cultural stakeholders

The session was chaired by Patrick Hurley MP, Chair of the Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). A panel of cultural leaders and representatives from organisations such as Bradford Council, Guild of Media Arts, English Heritage Fund, Music Mark, Writers’ Guild, National Trust, Utopia Theatre, The Stitch Company, British Film Institute, Film & TV Charity, and Bradford College provided evidence and shared perspectives on investment and development opportunities.

Inquiry aims and future sessions

• The Northern Culture Untapped Inquiry was launched in late 2025 by the Northern Culture APPG.
• Its purpose is to evaluate the economic and social benefits of cultural investment in the North of England.
• The Inquiry’s next oral evidence session is scheduled for 23rd March 2026 in Parliament, focusing on reimagining cultural approaches.
• Findings from the Inquiry are expected to be published in Spring 2026.

Bradford was designated the UK City of Culture for 2025, and the Inquiry’s visit to the city forms part of its wider fact-finding missions across the North to understand the impact of cultural capital on communities and regional development.

Comments from Bradford College

Sarah Towan, Vice Principal for Recruitment and Communications at Bradford College, said the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how the college’s facilities and students contribute to the region’s cultural and economic landscape. She emphasised the importance of continued investment in Northern cultural assets to support skills development, economic growth, and regional identity.