Previous Stages - April 2009

The Advanced Digital Institute (ADI):

In February, the ADI moved into the Waterfront building in Shipley from its previous office in the Cottingley Business Park . This move will strengthen the creative and digital cluster of businesses in the area. The move follows the appointment of John Eaglesham as CEO in January.

Bingley Business Technology Park :

The development of the site remains a priority for the Airedale Partnership as it continues working with other agencies on identifying a new development partner to take the project forward.

Keighley Station:

The partnership is in discussions with highways officers to co-ordinate the works associated with the Asda and the College development in the town. Further discussions are taking place with key stakeholders to help inform the next steps in taking the regeneration and options of the station forward.

North Street Hotel Keighley:

Consultants BDP / CBRE have been appointed to produce a feasibility study advising on the future use of former Keighley College buildings on Cavendish St / North St . The masterplan outlined that the site should be a new mixed use development with hotel, conference, leisure and restaurant facilities at its core. BDP will provide advice and make recommendations on the redevelopment of the site, so that it can contribute to the regeneration of the town and bring benefit for both residents and visitors to the town. The feasibility study will include thorough consultation including a public consultation event. A project Board and a project team have been appointed to look at the feasibility work needed to bring the sites to market

In a separate move, Leeds City College have announced that the new name for the College will be " Leeds City College - Keighley Campus."

Shipley Eastern Link Road:

Following the unsuccessful bid to the Regional Transport Board for this project action is being taken to identify funding for individual elements of the package of transport improvements.

Other Developments

Construction work continues apace on the major works being carried out in Airedale, namely the Asda and College developments in Keighley and the 5Rise development in Bingley. The latter held a 'topping out' ceremony in April to mark the completion of the steelwork frame and the beginning of building work. Confirmed tenants so far include Co-Operative Foods, Clinton Cards, Boots, Superdrug, Natwest, Timpson, Betfred and Max.

Work on the new canopy for Keighley Indoor market is nearing completion, with a completion date of early May in sight. This scheme is part of the refurbishment programme for Keighley Market which has seen work to the roof and internal improvements to entrances, lighting and ventilation. A local contractor is carrying out the work for Bradford Council. The new glazed canopy will provide trading space for new 'start up' traders as well as exhibition and cafe space inside and out for shoppers to enjoy all year round.

In Shipley, following last years extensive de-cluttering of signage in the town centre and public realm improvements, brand new coordinated, directional and information signs have now been installed in the town and all along the key gateways. This now gives Shipley Town Centre a clear identity along with those of Bingley and Keighley.

Rural Backdrop:

Work is also continuing on strengthening rural business networks in Airedale. Communities in the South Pennines can get help for village improvements, local services, and cultural and heritage projects from a £2.4m package of grants which has just been approved under the LEADER programme. The programme, which includes the rural areas surrounding Airedale, will run for six years until 2013 and is being managed by Pennine Prospects. See www.pennineprospects.co.uk for more details.

As part of our work with rural communities, The Rombolds Moor Forum was held at Ian Clough Hall, Baildon. The annual event was a chance for the various users of the moor, such as walkers, cyclists and naturalists to get together and discuss how they can continue using the moor amicably. The annual Rombolds Moor Forum is supported by a series of public meetings. The facilitators of the event, Community Accord hope to see more joint working between the stakeholders. More details can be obtained from dave.melling@bradford.gov.uk