TOP architecture, engineering and design firm, BDP Ltd has been appointed to conduct a study on how to boost economic growth in four key "Business Development Zones."

Bradford Council is aiming to boost jobs and investment by helping local businesses to invest in their productivity, upgrade their premises and unlock potential capacity.

The work will focus on some of District’s traditional employment areas: including Bowling Back Lane, Bradford, Salts Mill Road to Dockfield Road in Shipley, and Royd Ings and Dalton Lane in Keighley.

The consultants will now investigate how commercial land can be increased by mapping current use and suggesting infrastructure improvements, including developing transport links.

It is hoped the new zones will encourage landowners and developers to form partnerships to redevelop industrial sites.

The Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will work with the consultants and Bradford Chamber of Commerce to explore initiatives to boost productivity and growth within the business development zones and wider district.

"Business development zones" planned to boost employment in Bradford, Keighley and Shipley

Coun Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We are looking at how to boost investment and employment in four new business development zones: one in Bradford, one in Shipley and two in Keighley.

“We want to help existing businesses unlock untapped potential by boosting their productivity whilst bringing underutilised industrial land back into use.

“The work to develop the new zones adds to a wider package of measures designed to improve employment and prosperity across the Bradford district.”

Francis Glare, Principal of BDP Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with the City of Bradford to bring forward proposals for Business Development Zones in Bradford, Keighley and Shipley.

“Ensuring a strong supply of high quality business sites and premises is fundamental to the continued economic success of the district, to meet growing demand from local and international investors, entrepreneurs and businesses.”