City looks to private sector for growth

Helping to create a city centre "that drives growth across the whole district" and building on Bradford's entrepreneurial spirit are the core aims of the district's new economic strategy.

The plan, which is due to be discussed by Bradford Council's Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee today (Thursday), has been drawn up to last two to three years to try to help the district to move from recession to recovery.

It outlines how the changed national economic context and cuts in public spending will require a different approach to economic development.

The private sector will take a stronger role in generating business growth, jobs and prosperity for local people, with the council acting as an "enabler" rather than direct funder or provider of schemes.

Councillor David Green, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration and economy, said: "The traditional approaches to economic development and regeneration taken over the past decade are no longer relevant or affordable.

"We need to support partners – particularly those from the private sector – in working together and bringing their own resources, knowledge and influence to achieve results for the district.

"We have one of the strongest enterprise cultures in the country and need to capitalise on it by developing peer support, skills development and creating an environment in which businesses are supported to grow.

"Everyone knows how critical a vibrant city centre is to Bradford and how development and investor confidence can spread throughout the district. We need to ensure City Park becomes a catalyst for inward investment and growth."