Millions of pounds approved for major Keighley schemes

The bonanza has been hailed as a massive boost for the town.

A £2.39m pot has been awarded for infrastructure improvements, including to streets and parks, and to promote walking and cycling in the town centre.

A new £3m hub is to be developed at Keighley College, which will provide people with manufacturing and engineering skills – as well as training in IT networks, cyber security and online marketing.

There will also be over £900,000 for an education and skills project providing courses to help adult learners into employment.

In total, £16.85m of cash has been granted by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for schemes in both Keighley and Shipley. The projects form part of an integrated plan to attract levelling-up funding across the Bradford district.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore welcomed the cash.

"It is fantastic news that the Government has confirmed funds are being released for direct investment on projects in our town," he said. "The announcement demonstrates the Government is laser-focused on delivering on its commitment to Keighley.

"Driving forward the skills agenda whilst enhancing our town centre is crucial and that’s why I am so pleased to have played my part in securing these funds."

Kevin O'Hare, Keighley College principal, says the projects will "transform the district" and improve the prospects of its learners and residents.

He added: "The development of a manufacturing and engineering future technologies centre at the college will help plug the skills gap in the key sectors of advanced engineering, textile manufacturing, intelligent machines, IT networks, cyber security and more.

"And with the input of local employers, who will be sharing their engineering and manufacturing expertise, Keighley will be poised to emerge as a national leader in innovation.

"Our skills project, meanwhile, will allow us to really build on our work to deliver education and skills courses to adult learners of all ages to help them into employment.

"We look forward to sharing more details about both schemes as they progress."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw – Bradford Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport – says: "This funding will make a big difference to the lives of people in both Keighley and Shipley. It’s been a real partnership effort and I want to thank all the community groups and representatives who have supported these bids to make them happen."

Ian Hayfield, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, said: "These projects will help achieve real social and economic change for all parts of Keighley’s diverse community.

"Many challenges still lie ahead and there is plenty of work needed to successfully deliver the community projects, but I’m convinced that by adopting a positive and proactive attitude to these challenges, the projects will make a real difference to Keighley."