Bradford district’s Ilkley named as the Best Place to Live

Wednesday, 13 April 2022 15:16

Ilkley has been named as the Best Place to Live by The Sunday Times.

The West Yorkshire town in the north of the Bradford district headed the Sunday newspaper's list of 70 locations that represent the best of the UK.

The award shows the variety that the district has to offer and why it is both on the City of Culture 2025 shortlist and the UK's best levelling up opportunity.

Jason Longhurst, Strategic Director for Place, from Bradford Council, said: "This is fantastic news – we have always known our district is one of the best places in the world to live, work, play and invest, so it's great to get recognition that one of our amazing towns has been given this accolade.

"Big, young and diverse, Bradford district is home to more than half a million people, vibrant communities, innovative businesses and institutions.

"It's alive with energy, enterprise and goodwill and represents unrivalled potential, a growing pipeline of talent and exceptional quality of life at the heart of the north.

"I'd like to congratulate everyone who contributes to making Ilkley the great place it is."

The district brings together city, suburbs and towns such as Ilkley, Keighley, Shipley and Bingley each with strong identities.

The spa town of Ilkley was praised by The Sunday Times judges for its 'top schools, varied high street, spectacular scenery and convenient rail links'.

The judges were also impressed by its sports clubs including the fantastic Bradford Council-run, Ilkley Lido. The Lido which regularly features in the top 10 of outdoor pools in the UK, has recently seen £1.18m in investment from Bradford Council for refurbishment works.

The judges also liked the sense of community displayed across Ilkley with people pitching in and volunteering. Examples of this include local people working to secured the country's first Bathing Water Status for a river with support from the Local Authority and the organisation of Ilkley's Real Food Market which is run entirely by volunteers.

Ilkley's King's Hall and Winter Gardens run by Bradford Council's Theatres Team regularly hosts a wide range of events and community activity. From professional productions including family shows, must-see music and comedy shows and inspiring talks, to local amateur dramatic and performing arts companies, weddings, parties, lifestyle fairs and community event. It is one of the venues for the annual summer festival and the hugely popular Ilkley Literature Festival which also receives regular grant funding from Bradford Council.

Ilkley Moor with its Cow and Calf Rocks are famous the world over for their connection to the Yorkshire anthem - Ilkla Moor Baht 'At. The moors and rocks have been used as locations for feature films and TV series including the Derek Jacobi film Say Your Prayers, Miss You Already with Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette as well as DCI Banks, and Kay Mellor's The Syndicate. Bradford Council is working in partnership with Moors For the Future on a project installing 'leaky barriers' to slow the flow of water from the moor to reduce the risk of flooding and keep the moorland peat wet – so it can store more carbon and help the fight against climate change.

Bradford Council recently funded 'Ilkley Family Takeover' day in the town as part of its Spring Back 2022 campaign which saw the council partner with local artists, event organisers and business and stage free events and colourful street art to encourage people to rediscover their local town and village high streets. The campaign was made possible thanks to the Welcome Back Fund which is funded from the England European Regional Development Fund.

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