An ambitious commercial development plan will see the creation of thousands of new jobs for the local community in Bradford.
Work has already begun on the brand new high-tech advanced manufacturing park in Baildon, which will consist of “bespoke” buildings.
Bradford Council, which owns the land, is expecting the first planning application on the 15-acre site to be put forward in the next few weeks.
Council leader David Green said there is already strong interest from three different businesses in the local area.
“These will be bespoke buildings and we have already prepared the site and done the access road. It is a great opportunity for individual businesses to come along and build what they need to allow their business to grow and expand” he said.
Councillor Green said there will be around six to seven units on the new Buck Lane development, however this will depend on what businesses move in.
Bradford Council is also in talks with the Homes and Community Agency to build a number of new offices in the former police station in City Park.
Councillor Green said: “We are in the process of negotiation about the potential of the building as a development site to bring in new business. One block could probably get 1,500 to 2,000 jobs there.”
He added that the council is now focused on regeneration in the city centre.
“The city centre is the shop window for the district – it’s the first impression,” he said.
“There has been a lack of confidence but the Westfield shopping centre which had been dragging for a while and had damaged the perception of Bradford, is back on track.
“This will be a game changer which will change the retail offer and the perception of Bradford and highlight that we deliver in partnership with the private sector.”
Developer Westfield said it plans to begin work on the Broadway shopping centre in Bradford this year. The £260m development will encompass a 550,000 sq ft retail centre with more than 70 shops and places to dine.
Bradford which is home to big names such as Pace and Provident, received a £35m RGF cash boost in 2011, which is now being used for development platforms and business rate reliefs to entice more business into the city.
It has also received £10m from The Leeds City Region Partnership Revolving Investment Fund (RIF) to encourage development projects that will generate jobs and economic growth.
Councillor Green, who is also a LEP board member for the local authority, said: “We are looking to grow the fund so we can direct investment as and when we need to.”
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