LATER this month a group made up of local business and political leaders will set out their proposals on how Shipley should spend £25 million it was awarded through the Government's Towns Fund.

And suggestions might include a water sports centre, an "enterprise hub" in the town''s library, the re-opening of town centre toilets and even the restoration of the town's iconic clock tower.

The fund, designed to help regenerate left behind areas of the UK, required Town Funds Boards in each of the areas allocated funding to draw up plans for where the money should be spent.

The Shipley Town Board, made up of local businesses, councillors, MP Philip Davies, and local organisations such as charities, will be making its submissions to the Government in the coming weeks.

Announced by the Government shortly before the 2019 General Election, up to £25m would be available for each eligible town to "improve connectivity, land use, economic and cultural assets, skills and enterprise infrastructure in the town."

Shipley residents were recently asked for their opinion on how the funds should be spent, and over 500 people responded to the consultation.

A shortlist of schemes was drawn up, and the board will decide which will progress to help boost Shipley's fortunes.

The shortlisted proposals include;

- Improvements to Market Square, including the refurbishment of the Clock Tower, new homes created in space above shops, and improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity and public realm improvements.

- Re-opening Shipley's public toilets

- An "active sports centre" that would include an all-weather football pitch and water sports centre.

- An enterprise hub in Shipley Library, using the exhibition space to offer a space to showcase local entrepreneurs and craftspeople, makers and small businesses.

- A community, arts and future technology centre in Saltaire

- A future technology centre at Shipley College

- Tree planting across the town

- The re-naturalisation of a stretch of Bradford Beck, creating a new park and wetlands

- A new green walking route in Saltaire

- The transformation of "traffic-dominated" Shipley Market Square into a new public space featuring a "multipurpose event square with terraced gardens."

- Regenerating the heritage site at Wrose Hill/Quarry as Wrose Quarry Wetlands

- Improved facilities at Windhill Wild Park

- Restoration of areas of Wrose Conservation Area

- Refurbishment of dilapidated town centre buildings

- A visitor's centre at Saltaire United Reform Church

- Improvements to Shipley and Saltaire Railway Stations

- Refurbishment of buildings in the town's Business Development Zone, including the development of green manufacturing space.

After the submission is made to Government, the Towns Board will be informed which schemes have been accepted for funding.

Early next week The Telegraph & Argus will look at the projects proposed by the Keighley Towns Fund Board.