CREATING a new business park and Enterprise Zone at Clifton in Brighouse would be a major boost for the area’s economy.

Three schemes which could deliver millions of pounds worth of investment in that part of Calderdale have moved a step closer.

If follows a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee, which backed proposals to invest further in developing the City Region Enterprise Zone programme, including an eventual £5.9 million in the site at Clifton.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Councillor Barry Collins said: “Because of its location Brighouse has huge potential for significant economic growth over the next five to ten years, and could see the creation of the second largest Enterprise Zone in the M62 corridor.”

Brighouse is also set to benefit from a £52.4m scheme to develop the A641 from Bradford to Huddersfield, which would significantly improve journey times between the M62 and Brighouse.

The proposed A641 scheme has reached the next stage of development with the Combined Authority’s Investment Committee backing proposals to fund up to £600,000 to develop more detailed plans.

In addition funding of £4.5m has now been earmarked from the Department for Transport’s National Productivity Investment Fund to create highway and other infrastructure, providing improved access for vehicles and pedestrians - a first step in developing the area at Clifton.

Cllr Collins added: “We have a massive opportunity now, thanks to investment from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund, the Combined Authority and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, to create new jobs and major improvements to our transport infrastructure which will help our local businesses to thrive.”

Covering 23 hectares, the Clifton site is one of the largest of the nine new sites included in programme. It has already been granted Enterprise Zone status by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Roger Marsh, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Investment in the Enterprise Zones programme backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has the potential to deliver 230 hectares of employment land and more than 15,000 jobs by 2025 – a significant boost to the Leeds City Region economy.

“The sites will give businesses looking to invest in Enterprise Zones access to advanced and innovative manufacturing opportunities along the M62 corridor while also supporting the wider manufacturing and logistics sector.”