Work is under way to convert a former parcel office at Keighley Railway Station into a cafe bar.

The premises, which latterly were home to the Musicians Centre, are being extensively altered and refurbished.

Behind the £80,000 project is John Mitchell, owner of the Cricketers’ Arms in Coney Lane, Keighley.

“There is a lot of work that needs doing,” he said.

“Everything is being taken out. All the walls that could structurally be removed have been.

“The opening will be in two phases – a deli/milk bar and then cafe bar – but at the moment we don’t have a date.”

The cafe – which will be run by Mr Mitchell’s daughter, Nicola, and is creating several jobs – will operate from about 7am to 7pm, and will open every day.

An alcohol licence has been granted.

Mr Mitchell said he’d identified the potential in the station unit – which is owned by Network Rail and leased by Northern Rail – some time ago.

“I’ve looked at that building and had the cafe idea for years,” he said.

“It is mainly to serve people using the railway, and in future years more and more people will be travelling around on public transport and stations will increasingly need these facilities. It will mean folk can have a cup of coffee and a bite to eat before they get the train or when they arrive in Keighley.

“Also for us it will mean that when the new Worth Valley Shopping Centre is built and open, we will have an outlet either side of it – the Cricketers and the cafe.”

He added: “It took nearly 18 months to get the keys for the premises – there was a lot to sort out – and although there’s still considerable work that needs to be done, I’m pleased things are under way.”

The Victorian station, much of which is Grade II-listed, is well used by commuters and visitors alike. It is a terminus for the popular tourist attraction the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, as well as providing busy mainline services to Bradford, Skipton and Leeds.