Outline plans to give Shipley a major make-over, including a parkland cycle route linking the town to Bradford, have been warmly welcomed by residents and traders.

The new Area Action Plan revealed this week is a draft document detailing Bradford Council’s hopes for development in the Shipley and Canal Road corridor during the next 15 years.

Shipley’s parking issues would be eased by a new multi-storey car park at the railway station and cyclists would be encouraged by the Canal Road Greenway – a route for bikes and walkers through a “linear park.”

Other ideas include: 

* Refreshing the market place and square to make it an attractive central outdoor area.

* Refurbishing the indoor market.

* Redeveloping land between Market Street and Otley Road with new shops and leisure facilities to create a better approach to the town.

* Building 300 new homes in Shipley East.

Shipley Councillor Martin Love said he was keen to see what materialised.

“It’s a big ambitious plan, but we’ve had masterplans before that just get put on the shelf and gather dust. What we need is action,” said Coun Love (Green). “We need to have a look at the fine detail regarding the town centre and at the station there needs to be improvements in access for traffic as well as new parking.

“But regrading the cycleway, I think anything that encourages people to walk or cycle is to be welcomed. It’s the only flat route to Bradford, but at the moment it’s not a pleasant place to walk at all. I do think this part of the plan will go ahead as there are already notices going out regarding some of the crossings the cycleway will make.”

Shipley businessman Barry Cooper, of Perkins’ Jewellers, said he feared the plan relied heavily on private money, which was hard to find in the current economic climate.

“I think these are all the same issues that were in the last big plan” Mr Cooper said. “I think we’ll have to see stalled developments like Bradford’s Westfield site take off first before any money is spent in the smaller towns.”

Shipley resident Jamil Khan said the main issue was the parking problem.

“Free car parking is the first thing Shipley needs. Restrictions on cars really puts people off from coming in,” Mr Khan said.