Keighley’s Central Hall is preparing to open its doors as its transformation into a community centre nears completion.

The first meeting will be held in the Alice Street building on December 15, followed two days later by a planned open day.

The building will be available to the public early in the New Year with an official opening expected around April 2.

Before then local people can watch progress on the project by visiting a new website, central-hall.org.uk.

The former chapel is currently being refurbished with £1.74 million of mostly Government and Bradford Council funding.

Once the work is finished, the council-owned building will be handed to Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary Community Action (KIVCA).

KIVCA and Citizens’ Advice Bureau will be based in the building, with office space available for other groups.

The building will become a “community and enterprise hub” with meeting rooms, large function rooms, a cafe and free WiFi.

The building was until the 1990s home for many local groups but had to be closed following flooding. KIVCA urges people to visit the website to find out more about what will be on offer in Central Hall.

Project manager Lynne Burns said: “The website is the first step in making Central Hall an accessible and open resource for the community to use.

“Central Hall will be more than just space to hire. We will support people, organisations and businesses to help make Keighley a better place to live.”

KIVCA said it was now a bright, spacious and contemporary building retaining much of its traditional character. The organisation will raise money over the coming months to complete work on making the hall fully functional.

Refurbishment work began with £1 million from the Government’s Community Assets Grant fund, plus a major grant from the council. Cash has also come from the European Regional Development Fund, environmental body WREN and other funding bodies.

The Voluntary Sector Forum, which is open to all local community and voluntary groups, will meet at Central Hall, on December 15, from noon to 1.30pm. Anyone interested should contact KIVCA on 01535 665258.