SHOPFRONTS in an historic Keighley town centre street have been returned to their Victorian glory.

The renovation of the frontage for M & J Framing in High Street is the latest step in the Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The £2.7 million project has already seen the transformation of several high-profile town centre buildings, including Jean Junction on the opposite side of High Street.

The two adjoining units at M & J Framing – which include an art gallery – have been given an external restoration, including the reinstatement of the Victorian shop front.

There have also been alterations to the first floor to reinstate traditional sash windows with the traditional stone surrounds.

The work began in June last year, and the owners have now returned to the premises.

The project is part of the Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), which has seen Bradford Council spend £2.7 million on restoring a number of historic buildings in the Keighley Conservation Area.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said the THI is continuing to bring Keighley buildings back to life.

He added: “So far, shops have restored historic features in their shop fronts, the Jean Junction building, which is Grade II listed, has been saved from deterioration and the pavements have been replaced with Yorkshire stone flags.”

The THI began in 2011 when Bradford Council won £2 million of lottery funding and invested £700,000 of its own money.

The aim of the five-year programme is to restore Edwardian and Victorian buildings around North Street, Church Street and High Street and bring vacant properties back into use.

Property owners are expected to contribute money of their own for repair and restoration work. Successful projects include the North Street shopping arcade and the former Keighley police station.

One of the last major projects to be undertaken was at Jean Junction, between Church Street and the High Street roundabout, which was renovated with a £285,000 grant, along with investment by the property owner.