Bradford fights for Enterprise Zone benefits (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

City's bid for new economic development is put on shortlist

10:20am Friday 20th May 2011 in Business By Chris Holland

Councillor David Green

Council chiefs and business leaders are keeping their fingers crossed that Bradford wins Enterprise Zone status to give a significant boost to regeneration and economic development.

The city centre has been shortlisted to become the new Enterprise Zone for the Leeds City Region, a partnership between 11 local authorities including Bradford, Craven, Kirklees, Calderdale and Leeds.

Three other areas – Aire Valley, Leeds; Selby; and the Wakefield M62 corridor – are also being considered as potential sites for the zone.

A final decision on which area is chosen will be made by the City Region’s local enterprise partnership board in mid-June following analysis of the detailed proposals by a private-sector-led group. Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood is a member of the board.

Enterprise Zones are being established as part of the Coalition Government’s approach to locally-driven economic development. They will provide business rate relief and easier planning regimes.

Councillor David Green, executive member for regeneration and economy on Bradford Council, said a city centre Enterprise Zone would accelerate investment and boost development and job creation in the area.

Coun Green said: “We are pleased that the city centre enterprise zone has been shortlisted for further consideration by the Leeds City Region board.

• Read the full story in Friday's T&A