Planned £4m market square revamp wins approval

A proposed multi-million regeneration of Shipley Market Square has secured consent today – 3 April.

Bradford district councillors hope the improvements will boost business for the town centre by attracting more shoppers and visitors.

Once complete, the refurbished square will feature more green spaces, pedestrian-friendly areas and an all-weather canopy to cover stalls.

A reported presented to members of the Keighley and Shipley area planning panel of Bradford Council, who approved the planned revamp, notes that the current square is dated and underused, with its stalls in a poor condition.

Councillors were previously told that on some days, the market had just a solitary trader operating.

As part of the revamp, the landscaping of the area will be improved, new seating will be added and chargers for electric vehicles installed.

More community events would also be held at the square on non-market days.

The £4m project will be paid for with £3m from the Government-backed Shipley Towns Fund and another £1m from West Yorkshire Combined Authority.