A £14m pot of cash to regenerate vacant sites in Keighley has been approved as part of the government's Towns Fund.
The money will be used to “unlock” brownfield sites and vacant buildings so they can be developed for business or commercial use.
Last summer it was announced that Keighley had been successful in its Towns Funds bid to Government.
It meant Keighley was eligible for £33m for a range of different regeneration projects - but had to place a detailed bid for the individual projects it hoped for funding for.
In March the first bids were approved, and now a further £14m has been awarded for the “Development Investment Fund.”
This money that can be used to transform long empty sites that have failed to attract any investment.
No detail has yet been given on what areas or buildings the cash will be spent on.
However, earlier this year the Council’s Heritage Officer Jon Ackroyd told a planning meeting that Low Mill in Keighley, one of the District’s most historically significant mills, could benefit from the fund.
Referring to the derelict mill, he said: “This is one building that we put on the list of potential candidates for Towns Fund assistance.”
After Government approved the Development Investment Fund, a Council spokesman said: “These projects will promote wider economic activity, attract private sector investment, create new local jobs and anchor new manufacturing and engineering business in the region.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We know employment land is at an absolute premium along the Aire Valley and this builds on work we have already done around Business Development Zones in Keighley and Shipley. This funding will help unlock a number of sites to deliver jobs and growth to the area.”
Keighley Towns Fund chair, Ian Hayfield, said: “This is fantastic news for Keighley – this approved funding will help deliver real economic and social change.
“Keighley has so much unlocked development potential. The funding will bring forward the construction of much needed industrial units.
“There will be some challenges ahead with the delivery of this scheme but I know if we work together and find common ground when difficulties arise we will make this work.”
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