Investment in Keighley to support high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology will be outlined as a priority, in a report to be put before Bradford Council’s Executive Committee.
External public funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) of £73.4m has been secured via three streams towards delivering this ambition which will bring together industry and research, attracting new businesses and supporting the expansion of existing businesses.
Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “This level of investment in Keighley truly is transformational and the impressive work which has already been delivered through the Keighley Towns Fund, such as the successful redevelopment of Providence Park, shows what we are able to achieve.
“I would like to thank the Keighley Towns Fund Board for their work creating the vision for the town and supporting the delivery of all these fantastic projects.
“We are now looking to definitively shape the long-term programmes for the Plan for Neighbourhoods and Levelling Up streams of funding, on projects which will no doubt also attract private-sector investment to the town.
“This is an exciting time for Keighley with the funding to bring about tangible change and increased long-term opportunities for local people.”
The funding streams include:
- Towns Fund (£33.6m) – This funding is to drive sustainable economic regeneration and productivity across the UK. This investment is already delivering improvements to Keighley town centre and providing jobs and training opportunities, alongside wider cultural and social benefits for the local area.
- Plan for Neighbourhoods (PfN £20m) – Funding over a period of 10 years has been confirmed to create thriving places, stronger communities and empower decision-making for the town. A 10-year Regeneration Plan and 4-year Investment Plan will be submitted to the MHCLG before the 28th November 2025. Public consultation that was undertaken in 2024 highlighted three key themes: Regeneration, High Streets & Heritage; Safety & Security; and Transport.
- Levelling Up 3 (LUF3 £19.8m) – In agreement with MHCLG this money has been ringfenced for key projects. Of these which is currently underway is a significant investment in the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) including £2m for Keighley Signalling at the North end of the line, £2m for a Diesel Multiple Unit & Rail Car Depot & Workshop as well as £1m for an Oxenhope Head Shunt (new sidings at the railway) at the South end of line.
