Far-reaching plans were revealed today to turn Airedale into Europe's centre of digital communications.

And the consultants employed by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward to create the masterplan believe its success could lead the area to become known as "Digidale."

They propose building on the success of existing high-tech firms such as Pace and Filtronic to turn Shipley, Saltaire, Bingley and Keighley into a renowned centre of cutting-edge technology by 2020. The masterplan, drawn up by consultants Arup, would complement Bradford city centre's ambitious redevelopment which is being undertaken by Bradford Centre Regeneration.

Arup proposes a radical development ofinnovative businesses and education, improved public transport, education and the environment.

Under its proposals, Shipley railway station would be revitalised with two new buildings rising into the sky, one housing a digital college, and providing the "southern gateway" to the Aire Valley corridor.

In Keighley, a glass tower would form the research and development headquarters of a nano-technology and robotics firm and a 25,000-seat stadium would be built to be used for sporting events such as Keighley Cougars' rugby league matches.

In Bingley, firms would benefit from a financial sector set up in the town's former Auction Market while the Myrtle Grove shopping centre would be replaced with a mall.

Today, a Bradford Council spokesman said Arup was heading a consortium which would "capitalise on the investment potential of Airedale and its local centres".

The spokesman said the private-sector-led Airedale Partnership, which includes Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Water, Network Rail, the Environment Agency, British Waterways and the Highways Agency, was already working to build on the growth of knowledge-based industries.

Arup's £475,000 blueprint, which will be officially unveiled at the Ramada Jarvis Bankfield Hotel, Bingley, next Friday, also proposes a 24-hour link from Bradford rail stations to Leeds-Bradford International Airport via stations in the area and a new station at Utley, near Keighley.

Highways would be improved, including a possible tunnel to ease congestion between Bingley and Bradford.

In Shipley a glass canopy would cover a large piazza next to the station and escalators would lead to street level.

It is understood that a general Aire Valley masterplan will be produced by next spring with possibly three more subplans - for Bingley, Keighley and Shipley.

Arup has previously worked on the design of the Bingley Relief Road, Birmingham's Bull Ring retail development and Canary Wharf in London.

Its report states: "We have themed our proposal around the need for connections, physical, social and economic within Airedale, and to the rural economy.

"We have also strongly focused on the vision to create a future 'Digidale', with economic growth based on development of the digital, media and advanced manufacturing sectors."

Martin Van Zeller, the Council's regeneration policy co-ordinator, said: "The consultants' team will work closely with the Airedale Partnership and local groups to develop this project."

Nigel Foster, a director of Arup, said: "Airedale is an important economic driver for the Bradford area and the masterplan aims to support the long-term economic development of this key corridor."

A Leeds-based team from Arup will bring together experts from Latham Architects, Civic Regeneration, property experts Colliers CRE, economist Charles Monck and tourism and leisure consultant Stephen Feber to finish the masterplan.

There will be a public consultation on the proposals and development will start when funding has been agreed.