Growth Zone initiative is launched to boost businesses and jobs in Bradford city centre (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting TANEWS to 80360, or email
Growth Zone initiative is launched to boost businesses and jobs in Bradford city centre
4:43pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News
By Chris Holland, Business Reporter
Barra Mac Ruairi, Bradford Council's strategic director for regeneration, at the launch of the Bradford Growth Zone initiative
Bradford's movers and shakers have been given details of the new £35 million Bradford Growth Zone, which was hailed as "a great opportunity" for businesses by Bradford Council's regeneration chief Barra Mac Ruairi.
The Growth Zone is based around a specific city centre area and aims to stimulate investment and private sector growth through a range of incentives for new or existing businesses that want to expand.
The funding package - £17.2 million from the council and £17.6 million from the Government through the Regional Growth Fund - means eligible businesses could claim a rate rebate if they create employment opportunities.
The strategy is aimed at bringing in 2,800 jobs in retail and construction, of which 2,500 are through the Westfield shopping centre, where work is targeted to start in the second half of 2013.
Mr Mac Ruairi said superfast broadband and free wi-fi, planning support and skills support from the Council also added to the incentives on offer to help businesses prosper.
The launch of the Council's Get Bradford Working programme also demonstrated the local authority's strong desire to boost employment and the local economy.
