After a few months of delays due to increased material costs and shipping costs, T&A headed to Shipley Town Center to talk to business owners and locals.
The multi-million pound project includes the removal of equipment from the town's permanent market stalls, which will be used for public events and performances throughout the year.
The canopy is the installation of future markets in the homes in the form of pop-up stalls and benches and additional green spaces with “rain gardens.”
The closure of main parking lots, which currently accommodates building supplies and machinery, is reportedly causing major problems for shoppers and traders.
James Gibson, the owner of the market stall, has experienced the direct effects of obstacles caused by his work.
“They blocked this edge, so fewer people are walking through the market.
“I don't know if they're actually going to improve the town centre. It might be a place where people hang out and bothers me, but I'm all for change and improvement.”
Robert Proctor, who sells CDs and DVDs, feels the “pop-up” stall initiative will pose difficulties for food stall owners.
He said: “You'll have to offer your own food stall. This is a storage problem. And there's a problem with the wind under the new canopy.”
In underground markets, the impact of disruption is just as severe.
“It's affecting the trade here and they closed parking lots that were really unimportant,” says Stall owner Peter Jack.
He said: “In Shipley's long-term view, it's going to be better because it's pretty running.”
Keith Hudson said:
Mrs. Hudson would have wanted to see some of the funds used to repair the iconic tower clock.
Access issues have caused difficulties for traders and shoppers as a result of the majority of passes being blocked.
At Shipley Sandwich Bar, we are trying our daily tasks. The shop said the pieces made delivery difficult, and few people passed by.
Local Susan Archer, who walked through the town centre when T&A visited, feels the lack of a boulevard is in the struggle.
She said: “I just missed the bus. There's a limit so there's only an hour. There's no way to get off. It's difficult when you're disabled.”
Allenumbridge, who moved to the area in 1988, witnessed many changes in the area.
He said: “How can they justify it? What is the need for it?” “Canopy would be ridiculous.”
Anbridge would prefer funds to invest in road maintenance. “There are a lot of pot holes. There are lots of white lines that need to be reproduced. There are definitely lighting, speed cameras and more.”
This work is expected to be completed by November 2025, and for Shipley people, it will not come anytime soon.
