Previous Stages - October 2008

The Airedale Masterplan now into its third year of implementation has begun to see some of the priority projects moving forward and the masterplan being embedded in local and regional strategies. This is the key to bring the vision of a ‘connected, creative and lifestyle corridor set in a rural backdrop' to reality.

Priority Projects :


The Advanced Digital Institute (ADI): The UK 's first independent research and development institute is now well established with the appointment in 2006 of the CEO Ged Powell and the appointment of staff of national and international repute. The ADI currently based in Cottingley will act as a catalyst and high tech business centre helping companies develop leading edge solutions for the global market in wireless communication, embedded systems, satellite navigation and positioning technology, Digital TV, home networking and consumer broadband amongst other things.

Following on from its successful funding bid to the Government's Technology Strategy Board ALIP (Assisted Living Innovation Platform) programme, to support the development of products to help those with chronic health problems live independently, the ADI has won a new contract from Filtronic Defence, part of Filtronic plc for the research and development of advanced Man Machine Interfaces (MMI) for ESM systems. The new contract will see ADI's Embedded Systems team working closely with Filtronic Defence throughout the research and development programme. Additionally, the ADI has announced it had taken on two new members of staff to complement the existing team.


Bingley Business Technology Park : The development of the site remains a priority for the Airedale Partnership following the news that the developer had pulled out of the site as a result of the economic conditions. Work continues on identifying a new development partner to take the project forward.

Keighley Station: The station is the sixth busiest in West Yorkshire with 1.3m passengers using it in 2005 this is expected to increase by another 100,000 by 2009. It is a key gateway to the town and with the relocation of Keighley College to its new site on Dalton Lane , the expected new ASDA store on Bradford Road and the regeneration of the Dalton Lane area there are opportunities for improving the station.

A recent report by consultants ARUP, supported by Architects AEDAS, has been produced to look into the redevelopment of Keighley Station and the improvement of traffic flows in Keighley, the report is available on this website under resources. A team will be established to consider the ideas and opportunities set out in the report and look into the regeneration opportunities they provide.


North Street Hotel Keighley: Following the merger between Keighley College and Park Lane College of Leeds into the newly named Park Lane College Keighley and approval of funding for the College to develop its new building on Dalton Lane work can now begin to develop proposals for the sites in the Town Centre and at Harold Town, Dalton Lane .

Following initial discussions last year, a project Board and a project team have been appointed to look at the feasibility work needed to bring the sites to market. The feasibility work is due to be completed in mid 2009.


Shipley Eastern Link Road : This project is aimed at establishing a new road link between Otley Road , Leeds Road and Canal road that will unlock employment land development opportunities in the Dockfield Road area as well as easing traffic flows in the Shipley area.

Feasibility and design work has been completed, in parallel with that of the Bradford Canal . In partnership with Metro, the consultants Arup have submitted a detailed business proposal for the scheme which was resubmitted to the Regional Transport Board in October this year as be part of a wider 'Connecting Airedale' project.

Other Developments

Construction work on the new Keighley College campus on Dalton Lane is in full swing. Work is due to be completed before the start of the academic term in September 2010. The building will feature a glazed central street and will have its own car park with 170 spaces, 65 of them reserved for people using the station.

Building work is also continuing on the development of the new Asda store in Keighley. The new store is scheduled to open in 2009, creating 370 full and part time jobs in the town.

Work has also started on the 5Rise development in Bingley. When completed, in September 2009, the development will provide over 64,000 sq/ft of retail space, a brand new library and 8 apartments.

The Store and The Academy have officially opened in Keighley and represent the strengthening of the retail economy in the town. Both projects have been developed by close working between Park Lane College , Keighley and Keighley Town Centre Association and funding and advice from Bradford Kickstart.

Work is continuing with partner organisations to develop the Airedale Greenway a connected route for cyclists and pedestrians to primarily link the towns of Keighley, Bingley and Shipley to the canal towpath to encourage less reliance on car journeys for work or leisure. A clear signage strategy is also being developed to support the route and provide information and user guidance. We are also working with partners to develop a river stewardship programme for the River Aire and its main tributaries.

Further meetings have been held with businesses and residents in the Dalton Lane area of Keighley to improve the business and residential environment. This included two clean ups days in July with residents and businesses.

The establishment of the first 'service hub' at Silsden Town Hall has been completed and will give local service providers a location for delivery of services in the more rural areas of the district. The opening of Silsden Town Hall is part of the Airedale Connection project, which the Airedale Partnership has been leading on. Hubs are also being established in Denholme and Haworth.