Just 'go for it' on regeneration, expert urges (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Urban development guru Professor Stuart Gulliver urges go-ahead

8:48am Friday 19th November 2010 in Business

Urban development guru Professor Stuart Gulliver believes Bradford should not let an age of austerity deter the city from pursuing ambitious regeneration schemes.

Professor Gulliver, emeritus professor of city development at Glasgow University, said it was essential for the city’s economic well-being “to keep things happening”.

Speaking at Bradford Council’s regeneration summit attended by more than 100 business, community and council delegates, Professor Gulliver said it would be a massive backward step if regeneration plans were frozen and difficult to resurrect them if momentum was lost.

He also urged the city’s leaders to raise its profile with key audiences in London and elsewhere in order to change perceptions about Bradford and encourage investment in the city.

Professor Gulliver said: “It’s vital that you let people know that Bradford is alive and kicking and use every opportunity to raise the city’s profile and improve understanding of what’s happening here.”

City leaders should also press hard to win a share of funding for economic schemes. Gaining just 2.5 per cent of the new £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund would produce £35m for Bradford, which would be a significant amount locally.

Sandy Needham, chief executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said changing Bradford’s image was a top priority for business. In recent consultations, firms had put image-building ahead of education, skills and economic strategy. “It’s an issue that concerns businesses across the board. It’s vital that we all work together to project a positive image of Bradford,” she said.

The next challenge would be for business to lead recovery against a background of Government cuts to support bodies such as Yorkshire Forward and the regional Government Office.

Bradford had many successful firms, including plcs and a large proportion of companies based and controlled in the area. That, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit, would help the local economy to progress and take advantage of a recovery.

Chamber president Harold Robinson told the conference that business sectors should share knowledge and experience to try and overcome problems.