A “CORRIDOR of opportunity” that includes Bradford and a planned tram system will be pitched to national and international investors at a major event next month.
UKREiiF is a real estate forum that sees local Councils and businesses attempt to encourage thousands of developers and businesses to invest in their area.
This year’s event will be held in Leeds next month, and Bradford is expected to play a key role.
Among the local projects being promoted will be the Bradford to Leeds tram system, the “city village” development, recent investments in Keighley and Shipley and a planned new through rail station in the city centre.
Both Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will have a major presence at the event, with the Authority promoting its three “corridors of opportunity.”
One of these is the corridor linking Leeds, Bradford and Halifax – home to “England’s biggest financial and professional services sector outside London.”
Investment in Bradford is a key part of plans for the corridor, with a report by WYCA saying: “Unlocking the opportunity in Bradford through major infrastructure improvements, regeneration and opportunities such as UK City of Culture 2025 is key to driving growth in West Yorkshire.”
A report into the UKREiiF plans went before a recent meeting of WYCA, and said: “The 2025 programme will focus on creating a sense of place, celebrating the region’s cultural programmes, including performers from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
“The investment opportunities which will be highlighted are based on the Local Growth Plan and include the key investment-ready sites identified within our corridors of opportunity.”
This report was discussed at a recent meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority where Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “There is no better way to raise the profile of our investment opportunities that welcoming 16,000 people to our own back yard.”
At the event Bradford Council will also promote Darley Street Market, Bradford Live and “heritage led regeneration” planned for the city centre.
The regeneration of Shipley Market and Keighley’s new Providence Park industrial hub are also due to be showcased at the event.
The presence of Bradford Council will be funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Strategic Director of Place at Bradford Council David Shepherd said: “Our showcase event is crucial to capitalise on the increased interest in Bradford, representing the impressive work that is happening here and to make meaningful connections with skilled delivery partners.
“Last year, more than 1,500 key players visited the showcase over the three days and we are keen to replicate that success again this year.
“Since last UKREiiF Bradford has made massive progress on its ambitions to unlock its economic potential and become a major growth engine for the North and UK overall.
“Bradford is now recognised as one of the UK’s biggest economic opportunities and private sector curiosity is much higher than ever before. Our showcase event at UKREiiF is an opportunity to speak to investors about our ambitions and the opportunities that exist here.”
