Bradford Council in the UK has announced that a new multimillion-pound industrial estate is being considered for the town of Keighley, with the procurement of consultants to carry out a feasibility study due to commence.
The Keighley Towns Fund, part of the government's Levelling Up Fund, has reserved up to £7m ($8.85m) to be used for the development of the council-owned eight-acre Beechcliffe property.
The first phase of the development will be a feasibility study to assess the amount of work required to receive planning permission, build an access road, and improve the current path that connects Royd Ings and Utley with an updated bike and pedestrian route.
The second phase will involve completing a comprehensive work programme to remediate the land and deliver plots for development.
Bradford Council's Regeneration, Planning and Transport portfolio holder and councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “We know there’s huge demand for employment land in and around Keighley, so I’m delighted this project is moving forward.
“The first stage is a feasibility study but ultimately we’re looking to create a new industrial park which will increase the opportunities for businesses in the area and generate employment opportunities for residents.”
Keighley Towns Fund chair Ian Hayfield said: “This £7m allocation is a very specific fund targeting the redevelopment of identified brownfield sites, taking the pressure off greenfield sites.
“The aim is to increase the supply of business accommodation in Keighley, which will bring a significant economic boost for the area.”
Out of the Keighley Towns Fund's available funds, £14m has been set aside to transform derelict buildings or empty sites in Keighley, called the ‘Development Investment Fund', from which £7m has been allocated for the Beechcliffe project.
