PLANS to transform Shipley's outdoor market, including replacing the fixed market stalls with a public square, have gone out to public consultation.

Other proposed changes to the town's Market Square include more green spaces, electric car charging points and better pedestrian crossing points.

A shake up of the market has been in the planning stages for years. The current market is made up of fixed market stalls that take up a significant chunk of Market Square.

Although busy during market hours, the market is only open three days a week, meaning the central space is dominated by empty stalls for the majority of the week.

The Shipley Streets for People Project, which aimed to improve the town centre and make it less car-centric, was announced in 2019 after £1m of funding was received by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Today Bradford Council launched a consultation on the plans to improve Market Square, with residents asked to pick between two options.

Both options will see the fixed markets removed to make way for seating areas and four "rain gardens."

And both will also see an "events space" created between this area and the car park with small shop unit with outdoor seating located to the south east of the central area.

Option one would see a canopy built over this events space - with the stalls based in this covered space during market days.

Option two does not include a canopy - with this event space remaining open. In this option the market stalls would be set up on Market Square - facing the shops, on market days.

Both options see the town's sheep sculpture re-located to the new events space, cycle parking facilities and water refilling station.

Colourful "artwork crossings" would be created linking the square to other city shops.

Preparations underway for final stages of Keighley and Shipley's multi million pound 'Towns Fund' proposals

Although the plans have a greater focus on pedestrian and cycle links than the existing market, early proposals suggested the square's car park could be entirely replaced by an events square or public garden to boost the plan's green credentials.

However, both options would see the car park remain in place, albeit with new car charging points.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning & Transport said, “Both options are really exciting for Shipley and we’re keen to hear what people think as we refine the designs. The initial consultation made clear people wanted to see something done with the Market Square, more greenery in the town centre and more events and we believe both options provide for this. It’s the start of an exciting period for Shipley with the Towns Fund work set to make significant progress this year as well.”

To comment on the plans, visit here