TOWN Investment plans for Shipley and Keighley each worth £25 million are both awaiting a decision from the Government.

The Shipley Town Fund bid aims to invest in capital projects which will be designed to improve connectivity both to Shipley and within the surrounding area, improve land use in and around the town, and make the best use of its economic and cultural assets, as well as the skills and enterprise infrastructure in the town.

The Town Investment Plan was developed by the Town Deal Board; a collaboration of private and public sector and community representation; ensuring community and business voices were involved in shaping the proposals.

The Board set a clear vision and strategy for Shipley and identified projects to help boost the local economy and create much needed employment and training opportunities.

The Town Investment Plan covers both economic and complementary activities, reflecting the broad scope of the fund. It reflects the ambition and potential of the town to make a major contribution over the coming years as the economy recovers following the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Keighley Town Fund bid aims to invest in capital projects which will be designed to improve connectivity both to Keighley and within the area, improve land use in and around the town, and make the best use of its economic and cultural assets, as well as the skills and enterprise infrastructure in the town.

Assessment of the proposals by government will be followed by preparation of detailed business cases during 2021. Agreement on funding and delivery will then follow. It is expected that a response from government will be received following consideration of the proposals in the next few months.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which acts jointly with local authorities, has already designated both Shipley and Keighley a Spatial Priority Area – a status applied to the Town Fund towns in West Yorkshire – a recognition that WYCA will try to align other funds to complement the anticipated Town Fund investment.

Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley’s Town Deal Board, said: “We have followed the welcome guidance available from many areas and have put together a strong plan with great promise to deliver for the future. We would like to thank everyone who has participated in the development process - making a real team effort.

We recognise that Shipley has fantastic assets but also significant challenges, we have constructed a proposal that will balance our development opportunities making for a resilient and progressive town over the next decade

Ian Hayfield, chair of Keighley’s Town Deal Board, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has participated in the development process - making a real collaborative effort. We are passionate about delivering real change for Keighley and want everyone to continue on this journey with us.

The plan that we have submitted provides a sense of aspiration whilst celebrating the town and its achievements. The money we have bid for, could be a real game changer for Keighley

“The government expects to see wide involvement and co-operation from all parties to develop these proposals and it’s great to see Keighley pull together to steer our future.

“This plan does not simply aim for recovery from the pandemic, it recognises the pent-up ambition that there is and aims to turn it into reality.”