Bradford Council has announced plans to conduct a feasibility study into the potential development of an industrial estate in the Beechcliffe area of Keighley. The council-owned site, comprising 8 acres adjacent to the Hard Ings roundabout, has been earmarked for employment uses since the early ’90s. With up to £7m allocated for the development by the Keighley Towns Fund, the project is now moving forward.

The first phase of work will involve a detailed study to assess the requirements for planning permission, site remediation, access road construction, and the upgrading of existing paths. The second phase will focus on the full program of work needed to prepare the site and deliver plots for development.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, expressed optimism about the project, highlighting the demand for employment land in and around Keighley. Ian Hayfield, Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, also spoke of the allocation as part of a targeted effort to redevelop brownfield sites, aiming to enhance business accommodation in the area.

The proposed industrial estate in Keighley represents a thoughtful response to the local need for business expansion and employment opportunities. By focusing on a brownfield site, the project aligns with broader goals of sustainable development and land use.

The feasibility study is a crucial first stage in a process that could contribute to the economic landscape of Keighley. It reflects a considered approach to growth and development, balancing the needs of the community with the potential for positive change. The project’s progress will likely be watched with interest by various stakeholders, as it represents a careful and strategic effort to enhance the area’s business environment.