Bradford’s Tower of Now: First section of sculpture arrives in city

Based in the newly-constructed park at Hall Ings, the sculpture – called Tower of Now – will “become part of our skyline”, according to Bradford Culture Company, the organisation behind Bradford 2025.

Cranes are on the scene to lift the sizeable base part of the sculpture off the back of a truck.

The appearance of part of the eye-catching sculpture has proved to be a talking point in the city centre today.

Among those who spotted its arrival was Philip Lickley, a member of the T&A Camera Club. He captured an image of the moment and said: “Looks like the Tower of Now is coming in to be installed in Norfolk Gardens.”

The Tower of Now has been created by Saad Qureshi and a team of builders, and is an ode to the city Saad grew up in.

A view along the newly-pedestrianised Hall Ings toward the site where Tower of Now will be installed (Image: T&A) His family’s links to Bradford began when Saad’s grandfather, who worked as a tailor for the British Army, was offered a job in the textile mills following the partition.

Later, the family would move back to Pakistan and Saad grew up abroad before returning to Bradford at eight years old.

In an earlier interview with the T&A, Saad said: “My connection goes through generations.

“Bradford was an interesting place to grow up. The transition was much smoother when there was a lot of familiar faces.”

A section of Tower of Now arriving in Bradford city centre (Image: Philip Lickley) He added: “What was really important is that my work was a celebration of the city. The multicultural element at its best. I wanted to try and be as inclusive as possible.

I chose sacred architecture as the means to connect these ideas.

“Architecture is a living, breathing element. It gives you a strong sense of being grounded in a particular locality. That’s what the role of architecture is.

The plans for Tower of Now (Image: Saad Qureshi) “Whether it’s a Gothic cathedral, a Hindu temple, a Chinese pagoda to an Islamic mosque dome to synagogues. It’s about a sense of belonging.

“What I wanted to do was borrow elements from those different religions, architectures and connect them together. It’s about creating a snapshot of Bradford, 2025.

“I’m an optimistic being, a believer in bridging the gaps.”