The “Tower of Now” sculpture which stands as the most impressive monument of Bradford City which achieved UK City of Culture 2025 exists to honor the city which reached its most significant moment during this celebration. The impressive 15-metre (50-foot) tall masterpiece was designed by acclaimed Bradford-raised artist Saad Qureshi and was officially installed in the spring of 2025.

The Hall Ings pocket park displays a towering artwork which combines multiple architectural styles into one cohesive design. The design includes components from mosques and temples and pagodas and synagogues and Bradford’s historic City Hall which together showcase the area’s diverse cultural heritage and industrial history.

The initial planning requirements established that the temporary installation needed to be removed before May 2026. The Bradford Culture Company which operated Bradford 2025 and created the artwork plans to maintain the piece as an important city landmark for future use.

Planning Applications and Future Prospects

The Bradford Culture Company has presented its formal request to Bradford Metropolitan District Council for permission to display the artwork until May 2027. The official statement from the team confirmed that the monument successfully turned Norfolk Gardens into a popular area, which people use for reflection and community gatherings.

The pocket park site was initially intended to be a temporary measure before potentially being redeveloped into a new entranceway for the local transport interchange. The existing sculpture will stay for an additional year because current development work has stopped. 

The local council is expected to make a final decision on the extension shortly. The monument will stay at the site until restoration work takes place, which enables people to visit this beautiful local landmark that Visit Bradford promotes.