2020 Vision, launched today, has been developed after the biggest public consultation exercise in Bradford's history. City Hall reporter Olwen Vasey reports on the launch and examines how the district is set to change over the next two decades.

A dramatic document which could spearhead the transformation of Bradford was launched today - to high praise from a top broadcaster.

Thousands of Bradfordians - as well as businesses and organisations - are the authors of 2020 Vision.

They hope it will be the catalyst leading to a district everyone can be proud of.

And John Humphrys - who has a reputation for being one of the toughest interviewers in broadcasting - said: "I think it is very impressive. The one thing about most politicians is that they don't have long visions because they are thinking about the next election. It makes a change to see people thinking seriously about the long term."

Mr Humphrys, who hosted the launch of the Vision at historic Salts Mill in Saltaire, said he saw no reason why Bradford should not follow in the footsteps of Glasgow as Europe's City of Culture.

Mr Humphrys, who formerly worked in the north of England for the BBC and now presents Radio 4's Today programme, said people who looked down on Bradford were "idiots" who had probably never been north of Potters Bar.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "It is stupid snobbishness."

Councillor Ian Greenwood, chairman of Bradford Congress, which launched the Vision, said he saw it as a "definitive moment" in Bradford's history.

Coun Greenwood, also leader of Bradford Council, said: "It is clearly a landmark."

He said it would not go into a drawer at City Hall, never to be seen again, like many other visions for the city in recent years.

The vision now becomes the property of Bradford Congress, which has members including Bradford Council, the health and police authorities as well as businesses and organisations.

The launch was attended by about 300 people and will be followed by a five year strategy aimed at turning the vision into a reality.

The views of 25,000 people, businesses and organisations across the district came pouring in last year when Council Chief Executive Ian Stewart launched Bradford's biggest consultation exercise.

He says the result was astounding as a tidal wave of letters and calls poured in with people's dreams, ideas and aims. Members of groups and organisations packed into meetings to put their views.

Coun Greenwood said: "I believe we have got to look at where we want to be and not the things that stand in our way. The scenario it paints is one of excellence, not adequacy. Building upon the current level of financial, human and other resources available in the district, it will be achieved."

Mr Stewart said they were amazed by the passion and enthusiasm of the community. "This is not one or two people's visions, it is thousands. We want to thank everybody who has contributed or worked on it."

The vision is led by the economy and capitalises on its proximity and links with Leeds.

But the district retains its own unique and dynamic identity mainly through its many cultures and rich heritage.

There is recognition, however, that economic success must go hand-in-hand with a district which is a great place to live, learn and work in. That, in turn, will mean major improvements in every field, including education, training, business development and the infrastructure.

The vision document points out that Bradford and Leeds are already linked because of the large numbers of people who commute between the two cities each day.

But, while Bradford would benefit from the link, it would not become submerged in its bigger neighbour,

The district would build on the reputation of the Bradford Festival, the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and its many other major assets. The litter-strewn streets would be spic and span and attractive by 2020 - providing a bench mark for other cities.

Shopping in Bradford would also differ from Leeds, with successful Asian and Afro-Caribbean businesses gaining a national reputation for high-quality goods.

The vision predicts Keighley, Bingley and Shipley would develop a common identity as Airedale, within the Bradford district.

Airedale would be the home to world-leading high technology companies and in the field of digital communications. Environmental improvements would include a clean River Aire providing a habitat for a range of wildlife which would become a major attraction.

Ilkley and its surrounding villages would thrive through growths in tourism, while Wharfedale would be one of Europe's most desirable places to live.

In the year 2020...

The population of the Bradford Metropolitan District will be half a million.

Compared with the rest of the UK, the district will have more people aged under 30.

Although born in the district, a greater proportion of the population will have family origins in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.

This young and diverse population will be the district's greatest asset and the foundation of economic dynamism and innovation.

During the past 20 years Bradford has seen a substantial shift from jobs in manufacturing to the service sector. This trend will continue. Manufacturing will still be important and the prosperity of the district will still depend on its performance in both sectors.

History shows that economic trends are largely driven by technological developments. It is fully expected that the district will become the home of e-commerce - revolutionising the service sector as well as providing opportunities and support to manufacturing.

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