Work begins to install canopy over Shipley Market Square
The work has seen the fixed stalls that dominated the Market Square removed and re-located to Cannon Mills in Bradford.
THE central feature of a new town centre market is currently being installed.
The canopy that is set to transform Shipley Market Square is being erected as the works to create a new look market continue.
The work has seen the fixed stalls that dominated the Market Square removed and re-located to Cannon Mills in Bradford.
Future markets will now be held using gazebos, which will be installed on the pedestranised precinct in front of the shops on market days, with pop-up stalls being located underneath the new all-weather canopy in the centre of the square.
The new square, which will also include more green spaces, “rain gardens” and seating areas, will also host public events throughout the year.
The scheme, which is being delivered by Bradford Council, has been funded by £3m acquired through the Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund and a further £1m of Streets for People funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Enabling the markets and other events to take place regardless of the weather in an accessible space that people can enjoy is a key part of this project. So, the canopy going in is a significant milestone.
“We’re using the same transformative design principles as we did in the centre of Bradford to ensure Shipley has an inclusive, welcoming centre which is practical and greener. We want people to want to spend time here in a space which works well, that we can all be proud of.”
Gill Thornton, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, added: “It has been exciting to see this scheme progress so well. The teams are clearly all working very hard to make sure everything is going smoothly. Seeing the preparations for the canopy to go up is very special – it is at the heart of what is a really ambitious scheme, which will benefit so many people in our community for years to come.”
The next phase of work will see granite paving laid within the area around the canopy, together with the installation on new lighting columns and the completion of the rain gardens and planting of soft landscaping.
Contractors’ cabins will be removed next month, with works to re-surface the car park area following. The current completion date is expected to be mid-September.
Work is also underway on refurbishing and re-opening the square’s public toilets.