Partnership is playing a leading role in the continuing regeneration of Bradford district, from shaping large scale developments to delivering business support services.

The list of public and private sector bodies who share Bradford Council's commitment to bringing lasting jobs and investment into the district is impressive. Their contribution can be illustrated in the number of major developments taking place.

In the heart of Bradford, English Partnerships has recently supported the £9 million Aldermanbury office development and the multi-million pound construction of the Abbey National headquarters next to the Interchange.

The Government's regeneration agency is also backing the redevelopment of a large Council-owned 'brownfield' site, next to the city's ring road, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs. The NatWest Group is also building a regional call centre on part of the site which will create 150 jobs.

In Little Germany, work continues to revitalise this historic quarter of the city centre and the Council is working to attract further private sector investment into the area.

Improving the retail 'offer' in Bradford's centre is one of the key objectives of Bradford City Centre, a partnership between the Council and the city's commercial community. With the support of city retailers, businesses and public agencies, great strides have been made through measures such as a programme of pedestrian improvements and joint promotions.

On a macro level, the Council is also working closely with a development partnership on plans for a major retail scheme in the area centred around Broadway and Forster Square.

In Forster Square, a large redundant inner city site has already been brought back to life as a major retail and office park. The developers are now constructing a £20 million expansion.

In the leisure sector, a range of partners including the European Union and Lottery are supporting the development of the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and the realisation of plans for a National Faith Heritage Centre next to Bradford Cathedral.

In other parts of the district, the partnership approach is paying dividends.

Commercial and leisure investment in Shipley provides encouraging signs including the regeneration of landmarks like the Salts Mill complex as a dual-use business centre and visitor attraction. Two major schemes for Holiday Inn Express and Tom Cobleigh plc are helping breathe new life into the area.

Further along the Aire Valley, Keighley Business Forum have a strong track record in attracting investment including forging overseas business links. In addition, the Keighley Single Regeneration Budget programme and the town's award-winning town centre partnership are proving equally successful.

The Council is also working closely with a range of bodies including Bradford & District Training & Enterprise Council, the local Business Link, the university and colleges, Chamber of Commerce and local employers to develop job training and business support services.

The growing small business sector is particularly important to the area's long-term prosperity.

In partnership with Europe, a network of managed workspace centres such as Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham and Mantra House in Keighley are providing comprehensive start-up facilities.

In addition, business support services such as those provided by the West Yorkshire Euro Info Centre and the Mercury House Investment Team are only a phone call away on (01274) 754267.

We are aware that the challenge is to sustain and build upon the regeneration underway and also know that there are issues to face on the way. But the Council is committed to developing successful partnerships as the means of building a brighter future.

By Councillor Dave Green, chairman of Bradford Council's Regeneration Committee

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.