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 of innovative 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 like 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 new retail 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 in the area and Arup would look at ways of attracting new businesses, jobs and improvements in community life.

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.

An innovation centre at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway to promote greener transport would be constructed and there would be improved highways, including a possible tunnel to ease congestion between Bingley and Bradford.

Also in Shipley a glass canopy, similar to the Eden Project or Sheffield Winter Gardens, would cover a large open piazza next to the station and escalators would take station passengers up through a retail area to high-street level.

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

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: "The 2020 vision is ambitious but realistic.

"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: "Developing a deliverable blueprint is an important step forward in the economic development of Airedale and local centres including Shipley, Saltaire, Bingley and Keighley.

"The consultant's team will work closely with the Airedale partnership and local groups to develop this project and bring economic benefits to the area."

Andrew Wallend, head of the West Yorkshire department at Yorkshire Forward, said: "This appointment is another significant step towards the regeneration of Airedale.

"The masterplan itself, when finalised, will take this process to the brink of what promises to be a fascinating period for Airedale and its residents."

Nigel Foster, a director of Arup based at its Leeds office, said: "Of course we are delighted to be one of the team and we are pleased we will be working closely with the Council and with local people and businesses to generate the masterplan and help lead to the improvements which are needed.

"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 work on the project and complete the masterplan.

Upon completion the masterplan will be disclosed to the public for consultation and development will start when a funding strategy has been put in place.