Housing and store plan ‘to bring jobs bonanza’

Hundreds of jobs could be created under plans for a multi-million pound scheme to build new homes and a supermarket in Shipley.
A new Morrisons store is planned for ShipleyA new Morrisons store is planned for Shipley
A new Morrisons store is planned for Shipley

Skipton Properties and Morrisons say the mixed-use development to the east of the town centre would create 580 new local job opportunities.

The Bradford supermarket giant and the house builder have unveiled plans for a medium sized supermarket, 94 new homes and a small commercial zone on the site next to Shipley Railway Station bound by Crag Road and Leeds Road.

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The scheme would also include 109 parking spaces for the station which would be used as a park and ride facility.

Dubbed “Shipley Exchange” the development would create 250 jobs in the Morrisons store, 100 mainly office-based posts in the commercial zone, 50 restaurant jobs and 180 temporary opportunities during the constriction phase.

Brian Verity, of Skipton Properties, said: “This is a major scheme that will bring investment into the centre of Shipley, representing a massive boost to the local economy.

“Skipton Properties has an unrivalled local track record of bringing vacant semi-derelict sites back into economic use. Our proposals will create hundreds of new local jobs, 94 quality new homes for local people and act as a catalyst for the wider sustainable regeneration of Shipley.”

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The proposed scheme, which is expected to be submitted for planning permission in September, would involve moving the former Carnegie Library on the site. Pedestrian and cyclist rights of way would be retained across the site and the scheme would plug a gap in the existing cycling provision.

Richard Bakes, of Morrisons, said: “We are delighted to have signed up on this opportunity for Shipley. A new Morrisons food store will be critical to unlocking the full potential of this site.

“Importantly, a mixed-use scheme anchored by Morrisons will secure delivery of the infrastructure improvements required for the whole scheme. This will include over £2m of investment to upgrade Shipley Station, increase capacity on local roads and improve cycle and pedestrian linkages.

“A key consideration is to relocate the Carnegie Library building in order to implement the significant highway improvements needed to increase capacity on local roads for the benefit of the whole of Shipley.

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“We recognise the local importance of this building and this is why we are working closely with its owner to dismantle and relocate it next to the station concourse, safeguarding the building for future generations.”

Councillors will consider two other supermarket schemes at different sites in the town next month.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: “The proposed developers for the Crag Road site have indicated that they are to submit a planning application in the very near future for a mixed use scheme, including a new food store, but will first carry out a consultation exercise with local residents, traders and other interested parties to seek their views.

“If a planning application is then submitted a detailed analysis of all of the planning merits will be considered by officers in the same way as the other schemes are being assessed before presenting it for consideration.

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“The council will consider how the proposal meets local and national planning policy and what impacts there are for local people and there would be a further consultation process with the public.”

A public consultation exhibition to present the masterplan for the scheme will be held at Shipley Library, 2 Wellcroft, Shipley, on Thursday from 2pm until 7.30pm.

Full details and plans will be on display and representatives from the developers will answer questions.