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View of Shipley market square and clock tower

Shipley's proposed draft vision and objectives

Vision: ‘Shipley – Shining as one’

Shipley, the gateway to Airedale, will be revitalised to be a people and family-focused town centre, with a diverse and creative offering.  It will combine world-class heritage and culture alongside quality amenities, parks and public spaces which are well connected together, making it easy for visitors to experience all that Shipley has to offer – both within Saltaire and the wider Shipley area.   

Access to Shipley’s Canal and River will be opened up to create new public realm, spaces to dwell and enjoy and new waterside housing developments, making the most of repurposing Shipley’s industrial heritage.  Shipley will continue to be a ‘making place’, maximising the area’s manufacturing assets and wealth of talent, to innovate and grow, creating a thriving and sustainable neighbourhood within the Regional City of Bradford.  

Shipley’s draft vision is underpinned by a series of strategic objectives:

  • A family-friendly town – Repurposing the heart of the town centre to create a family-friendly space – considering diversifying uses, providing playspace and family-friendly activities. 
  • Town centre living – delivering a mix of well-designed new homes to encourage new families to live in the area, including high-quality affordable offer, alongside housing for young professionals. 
  • Strengthening connectivity with Saltaire - addressing the barriers to connectivity for walking and cycling across Shipley and Saltaire, and promoting greater use of public transport – particularly addressing the barriers between the railway station and town centre, and active travel links between Saltaire and Shipley. 
  • A green and healthy environment – Low carbon to be embedded into new development, to align with Bradford Clean growth agenda, promoting sustainable travel solutions and improving access to Shipley’s countryside, Bradford Beck and the Canal. 
  • Community and market at its heart – Social value to be at the heart of regeneration – ensuring that future growth is inclusive, creating positive outcomes for all, and fostering Shipley’s community spirit, centered around Shipley as a market town – with key events and local, affordable food offer. 
  • Creativity and makers – making the most of existing technology and media businesses in the locality to foster an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, encouraging residents to work within Shipley rather than commute out.