Keighley £20m development framework under spotlight
Transport and housing feature strongly in the development framework for Keighley, open now to public consultation by Bradford Council.
The public is asked to consider how £20m of government cash from the Levelling Up programme should be spent in Keighley over 10 years.
Seventy-five locations around the UK were selected to share £1.1bn as part of the Long-Term Plan for Towns scheme. Keieghley’s award was on top of the £33.6m granted in 2021 through the Towns Fund.
A new public-private steering group, Keighley Town Board, has been set up to oversee both pots of funding and develop a plan, starting with priorities for the next three years.
Among the ideas proposed were:
- Improving transport connections
- Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour
- Enhancing the town centre, including repurposing empty shops for new housing, improving green spaces and street cleaning
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This additional investment is testament to the good work of our Towns Fund Board in delivering the £33.6m secured already.
“£20m over 10 years will make a difference in the area, but it is important to us to find out how local people want to see the money invested. We’ll initially be looking at the first three years, with a pipeline of projects to follow and there will be further opportunities for people to have their say.”
Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Town Board, said: “My vision is to use this multi-million pound investment from the public purse to create an environment where the private sector can see a sustainable return on any investment – allowing Keighley to realise its potential in economy, skills, heritage, creativity and transport aspirations.”
- Consultation will run until 21 July online: bit.ly/keighley-long-term-plan, with an interactive map, as well as in-person drop-in sessions yet to be announced.