A MULTI-MILLION pound redevelopment of a Keighley site has created a massive jobs boost.

Riverside Business Park, on land once occupied by Magnet, is now complete.

More than 200 people are employed at the site, with up to 30 more jobs expected to be created.

And this week it was revealed another major commercial development is due to be built in the town, at Dalton Lane.

All five units at Riverside, in Royd Ings Avenue, were sold ahead of the scheme's completion.

The biggest unit – covering 90,000 sq ft – was bought by cardboard-tube manufacturer Stell, seeking to expand from its Fell Lane factory.

Other premises have been snapped-up by bathroom and kitchen equipment distributor, Cavalier Marketing, engineers Spooner Industries, Dowsons Food Machinery and Advanced Couplings.

Behind the Riverside venture is Turner Developments, whose managing director, James Turner, said the firm had been inspired to pursue the scheme following the success of a neighbouring initiative.

"We had previously acquired the adjacent former Ponden Mill site and created Aireside Business Park, which is now fully occupied and employing about 200 people," he said.

"The success of that park gave us great confidence to speculatively develop the old Magnet site, and we are pleased to add further regeneration to the area with a scheme that is fully functional on completion.

"We anticipated a three-year project, but unprecedented interest allowed us to fast-track our plans."

The 13-acre site had been derelict for more than three years following the closure of the Magnet factory, which was once amongst Keighley's biggest employers.

Turner Developments bought the disused complex last year and demolished some of the old buildings.

The new units cover 260,000 sq ft in total and there is 100,000 sq ft of yard space.

Mike Atkinson, of land and property consultancy Atkinson Associates, which advised on the site, said: "The successful sale of all units at Riverside Business Park goes to demonstrate the strength of location, with great access to the Aire Valley trunk road.

"Turner Developments was able to offer well-located units at a good price for refurbished space and, as a result, we have seen a very successful venture, bringing new vitality and employment to the area."

Ian Hayfield, of joint agents Hayfield Robinson, said: "Our client has recently bought a further eight-acre development site at Dalton Lane in Keighley for new build commercial development, demonstrating its commitment and belief in the Aire Valley market.”