Town centre transformation plans unveiled

More detailed plans have been unveiled to turn Shipley town centre into a thriving destination.

As part of the Shipley Streets for People programme, Bradford Council has revealed proposals to transform Shipley’s outdoor marketplace with green spaces, natural play installations for children and a new public square for events.

Two versions of the scheme have been published for feedback including an option for a canopy covering the events space to allow for year-round activities.

This follows a public engagement exercise held by Bradford Council last year on the Shipley Streets for People programme.

Shipley Streets for People aims to increase footfall for local shops and the market, as well as improving links to the wider town centre, local amenities and the railway station.

The intention is to create an area that feels pleasant, safe and attractive and will bring more people back into the town centre.

Further plans will be drafted to expand the scheme to surrounding areas and link with the railway station and Saltaire.

Bradford Council now wants residents and businesses to comment on two options it is looking at for development:

• Option 1 reshapes the Market Square and provides a new canopy that can be used for the market, performances and community use, and as a shelter for everyone in rainy days.
• Option 2 is the site without a canopy, where the market will be in the pedestrian precinct facing the shops.

In both options the market area will be revamped with new public green space. A small shop unit with outdoor seating may be located to the south east of the central area.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning & transport said: “Both options are really exciting for Shipley and we’re keen to hear what people think as we refine the designs.

“It’s the start of an exciting period for Shipley with the Towns Fund work set to make significant progress this year as well.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and transport portfolio holder for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “I welcome the progress on these exciting plans for Shipley town centre, which are a key part of our ambition for West Yorkshire to improve local places and connections.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “I committed to improving public transport, connecting more people with opportunities and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.

“These plans to transform the Market Square in Shipley will make a real difference to the local area and make it easier for people to make the most of this public space.”

The council wants people to submit comments by e-mail to streetsforpeopleshipley@bradford.gov.uk The consultation runs until 6 February.