A huge new park with wildflower meadows, wetlands and woodland areas is being planned for West Yorkshire, it has been revealed, as part of plans to re-naturalise Bradford BEck.
Designs for the Shipley Fields Park have been revealed as part of £3.25m plans to transform Bradford Beck in Shipley, which would create a huge new open space for locals to enjoy as part of rewilding plans for the area.
The plans would see Bradford Beck – the river that currently runs under the city – uncovered for the first time in decades after being built over in the 19th century.
As well as benefiting local wildlife and residents with the creations of new, open green spaces, it is thought the park plans could also put a halt to what is currently a “significant” flood risk.
A public consultation on the plans will run throughout the festive period up to 12 January to get local people’s opinions on the plans.
The plans have been moved forward in the hope that the park could be ready for people to enjoy as early as summer 2023.
According to the local democracy reporting service, the “linear” Shipley Fields Park and Bradford Beck works were initially intended to be tied to a major highways scheme that hoped to improve traffice between Shipley and Saltaire.
Traffic plans will still see Valley Road and Canal Road widened, whilst better cycle lanes and pedestrianised routes are intended to be introduced on Manningham Lane if plans are approved.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw told the BBC that the new park would be a “great asset” for nearby Bolton Woods, Frizinghall, Shipley and further afield.
“Not only will [the works] permanently remove a significant flood risk, but also develop the beck as an enjoyable space for everyone,” he said.
“We want to promote active recreation and overall better community health by making it more convenient and gratifying to get out and about.”
Feature image – LDRS
