THE ORGANISATION buying one of the two former Keighley College buildings is hoping to complete the purchase within the next month.

Bradford Council revealed last October that it had accepted an offer of an undisclosed sum for the property from a charitable group called the Utley Centre.

An Utley Centre spokesman confirmed it is planning to use the 33,000 sq ft, five-floor property to accommodate a new mixed-use business and enterprise centre.

Project manager and property developer, Raza Israil, said the complex nature of this large scheme meant the sales process was still underway.

“We’re almost there – hopefully, it will be complete within the next month,” he added.

“In the meantime, we have been getting the relevant asbestos, electrical and structural surveys done – the results of these have all been fine.

“New security systems are currently being put in place, and we’re putting proposals through for the architect in order to submit an outline planning application soon.”

And the organisation has this week revealed more details about its plan for the iconic town centre building.

Mr Israil said: “The ground and basement floors of the building will be for commercial use, so any potential tenants who are interested can come and speak to us.

“We won’t change the building structurally, but we are planning to completely change the look of the outside of the building, which includes the windows and the panelling.”

A spokesman for Bradford Council said that for reasons of commercial sensitivity, he could not yet provide details on any progress made to sell off the other former college building, which is at the junction of Cavendish Street and North Street.

This property, which is being marketed separately, includes much older architecture dating back to the 1870s.

Craven ward councillor Andrew Mallinson, who is on Bradford Council’s regeneration and economy overview and scrutiny committee, has previously hit out at what he described as the lack of information on what is happening to the buildings.

He said: “I was at a corporate overview and scrutiny committee meeting on December 18 and the disposal of council assets was on the agenda.

“Strangely, neither of the old college buildings was on the list of properties being disposed of.

“I did ask what was happening with them, but the council officer told me there were no details to give to councillors at this current stage. I asked for a briefing paper on the current situation but I haven’t yet received a single document.

“The matter is still shrouded in secrecy within the council, and I can’t understand why. I’ve again put a request in for this to go to the Keighley Area Committee.”

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG.