News In The Hebden Bridge List

CMBC's Vision For Calderdale’s Future

Councillors have given their backing to the economic vision for Calderdale’s future. Members of the Cabinet last night approved the Council’s Economy and Enterprise Strategy. They also gave the go-ahead for applications to be made for two separate streams of funding which could draw down millions of pounds into the district and turn the vision into a reality.

The strategy sets out priorities for the district and will guide the transformation of local communities, narrowing the gap between the more affluent and disadvantaged areas of the district.

It is based upon three main strands – place, business and people. Place will build on the location of Calderdale as an attractive place in which to live, work, learn and visit. Business will see the Council work with businesses to develop an environment in which they prosper, creating employment and new investment. People will concentrate on improving people’s quality of life by fostering economic growth and providing them with the skills to benefit from the opportunities created.

“Such forward thinking solutions will really help Calderdale’s numerous small and micro-businesses to grow…”

It is hoped the Council will secure funding from both Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund to fulfil the strategy.

The Calderdale Geographic Programme would tap into funding on offer from Yorkshire Forward over the next three years. The cash on offer fits in with the three strands of the Economy and Enterprise Strategy. Money will be made available to:

• Help people access good jobs, skills and transport
• Help businesses to start-up, grow and compete through innovation
• Regenerate cities, towns and rural communities

Funding from the European Regional Development Fund would be used in a number of innovative ways, ensuring Calderdale is a driving force in the business sector. It would help deliver new jobs and encourage business enterprise and would specifically focus on the small and micro businesses at the heart of Calderdale’s economy.

Money could be used to link business to new technology and encourage closer working between micro-businesses which could help them to secure larger private and public sector projects.

Councillor Ian Cooper, portfolio holder for Community Services, said:

“We are also looking at providing Wifi at the Piece Hall to attract businesses from the technology and digital sector. There could also be the opportunity to link a further 10 units so higher education students could form a fashion and design link. On top of this the Piece Hall would be connected to Calderdale College, creating a technology avenue.

“These are really innovative ideas which would not only regenerate the Piece Hall, they would breathe new life into the whole of Calderdale.”

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Development, said:

“Other proposals include creating an innovation centre in both Todmorden and Hebden Bridge and providing support for business growth in the more disadvantaged areas of the district.

“Such forward thinking solutions will really help Calderdale’s numerous small and micro-businesses to grow, creating self sustainable business networks and resulting in more local jobs.

“The strategy and associated funding clearly demonstrates the Council’s commitment to supporting small businesses in this difficult economic climate.

“Collectively, this work will put Calderdale in a really strong position to take advantage of the next economic upturn. It will also support the growth and stability of economy over these next few difficult years.”