The Shipley Market Square renovation project has been postponed

The planned Shipley Market refurbishment will not be completed until May 2025, later than expected, new documents show.

Planning permission for the project was granted earlier this year but work will not start until August, according to minutes from a council meeting for the Shipley Towns fund.

The scheme will remove existing stalls from the fixed market, with pop-up stalls located under a canopy, as well as more green space to hold events.

Bradford Council said the rising cost of materials contributed to the delay.

The scheme is part-funded by the Shipley Towns Fund, a £25m government scheme to boost regeneration.

The minutes also revealed that work to reopen the public toilets in the Market Square will not start until October due to rising costs, despite the plans being approved months ago.

In 2025, the borough of Bradford becomes the UK City of Culture, with events planned across Bradford’s towns and villages as well as the city centre.

The minutes said: “The board questioned whether the scheme would impact on traders, plus visitors during the City of Culture year, as delays in commencement and completion may impact on traders and the community.”

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “While work to improve Shipley town center is ongoing, we will be liaising with traders to ensure that market days can continue where possible.

“Work will be phased to allow markets and events to take place as much as possible during construction.

“Once the work is complete, Shipley will have a fantastic new town center market with more greenery and event space for people to enjoy.

“Increasing material costs, as a result of increased freight rates, contributed to delays in the process.”