BRADFORD’S “heritage of innovation” will help make the recently announced West Yorkshire Investment Zone a success – it has been claimed.

On Monday Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds would be the centre of a new Investment Zone that is expected to bring 2,500 jobs to the area.

It is expected to unlock around £220m of funding, and will be based around universities, including the University of Bradford.

Further details of the scheme were not revealed.

Announcing the West Yorkshire Zone, Mr Hunt said it would “attract businesses from all over the world.”

In response, Leader of Bradford Council Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Bradford will be one of the core locations for investment and the zone will focus on Bradford and West Yorkshire’s strengths in health and digital technology, including digitally-enabled manufacturing.

“Bradford has a celebrated heritage built on innovation and we’re excited about the opportunities this investment will bring.

“We have been working closely with the University of Bradford and other partners on a range of initiatives which will drive innovation and growth in Bradford, for the future.

“We are well placed to shape the rapidly-changing business environment and establish the region at the forefront of UK innovation, maximising the opportunities this will bring to the district.

“We will continue to collaborate closely with the University of Bradford, partners across the district, and colleagues in Leeds and Kirklees to maximise the benefits for the people of West Yorkshire.”