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business growth scheme. The latter provides rate rebates for businesses creating new jobs or bringing disused commercial space back into use. Weve also been at the forefront of new interventions in placemaking. The Council stepped in to provide a commercial loan to a developer when the banks could not, allowing Provident Financial to open their new headquarters at the heart of the city. Leading on the Leeds City Region revolving investment fund will create up to 500m for investment in projects that are commercially viable and support economic growth, but are unable to secure sufficient finance due to conditions in the financial markets. Bradford has been adept at making the most of the resources gained, such as levering local jobs out of construction investment in City Park, and creating meanwhile uses like Bradford Urban Garden.
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Looking ahead, the development of a new City Plan will help define and position Bradfords future direction and set out a distinctively local approach to stimulating economic development and regeneration in the city. So far, we have needed insight and leadership, energy and persistence, and robust collaboration. If you would like to explore the producer city idea further, using Bradford as a model, or contribute some creative thinking towards our City Plan themes, then please come along to the Academys Congress in May. You will be made most welcome in this dynamic big small city. Barra Mac Ruair AoU Strategic Director, Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Congress VII The Producer City: an urbanism for the 21st century? Bradford 15-17 May 2013 Using the city of Bradford as our laboratory, this years Congress will explore the notion of how an established post-industrial city rethinks its roles, economy, and also recasts its physical place, to help it compete both locally and in the global economy. Participants and delegates from a wide range of backgrounds will explore the topic and, through workshops, help contribute to Bradfords continued thinking about how it shapes up to address future challenges in its City Plan. For more information visit academyofurbanism.org.uk
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