Council and Democracy

Councillors will hear about progress on the major regeneration plan for Airedale next week.

A progress report on the Airedale Masterplan is due to be presented to members of the Shipley Area Committee when they meet on Wednesday, 7 December.

The Airedale Masterplan is a 15-year action plan to deliver improvements in transport, housing, environment, training, employment and the town centres, and support the growth of new and existing businesses in the area.

It is being managed by the Airedale Partnership, a private-sector led partnership which works with Bradford Council to support the growth of the local economy and deliver regeneration projects in Airedale.

Coun David Heseltine, Chair of Shipley Area Committee, said: "In this tough economic climate, it’s good to see progress on work to support and boost the local economy, bring new jobs to the area and develop skills and training.

"The work with European partners to share learning and expertise and the advances in science and digital technology are really putting Airedale on the map.”

Coun David Green, Executive member for Regeneration and Economy, said: "The Airedale corridor is a very important area for the district, particularly in sectors such as digital innovation, technology and manufacturing. I am pleased to see progress on some very important projects for this area which will help local businesses and create more jobs and training opportunities.”

Progress so far includes:

• The Bradford and Airedale Manufacturing Alliance (BAMA) was launched this year as a forum for district manufacturers to discuss issues and share good practice.
• A ‘FabLab’ is being set up in Keighley. It will include access to digital fabrication equipment for businesses, colleges, schools and the local community.
• The Advanced Digital Institute (ADI) is working on a project with European partners to share information and learning on telehealth (using technology to connect medical practitioners with patients in rural and restricted locations) and the benefits for health service providers and businesses.
• Network Rail has announced it will carry out work at Keighley and Bingley railway stations to improve access for people who are less mobile.
• Work is due to start on improving the areas surrounding Saltaire roundabout next year. Work on the actual roundabout is planned for 2013.
• Pedestrian crossings have been installed, and buses given priority at traffic signalled junctions, on the A650 between Bradford and Keighley to support the development of the ‘Quality Bus Corridor’. Most bus stops on this corridor now have raised kerbs and bus clearway markings to make the buses more accessible.
• The section of the Airedale Greenway cycle route from Crossflatts roundabout to Crossflatts primary school has been completed. The route was used as part of the Sky Ride initiative this summer to encourage more people to take up cycling.
• A prominent site at the foot of Well Croft in Shipley has been used as a temporary photographic gallery for the past 15 months. The gallery has provided paid work experience for three young people, one of whom has gone on to secure permanent employment at the gallery.
• Planning permission has been granted for the Buck Lane development in Baildon which will provide expansion space for existing local companies that wish to grow and remain in the district.

You can follow progress on the Airedale Masterplan at www.airedalepartnership.org