A - Development Investment Fund (DIF)

Above: An artist's impression of the planned industrial development at Providence Park. The site will be used to build seven industrial units on a site on the junction of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road. (Image: Bradford Council)

Above: Site progress to date on the Providence Park development. Pictured are the Providence Park industrial unit frames so far completed with the works now beginning on the roofing. (Image: Bradford Council)

Above: The existing Beechcliffe Site and access road at the end of Royd Ings Avenue, Keighley.

Value

£14m

Purpose

The limited availability of good quality serviced sites and premises is a key constraint upon local economic growth in Keighley, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing and engineering. In addition, the increasing lack of affordable housing available particularly in the town centre area is proving a constraint on inclusive local economic growth.

Objectives

• Provision of new industrial floorspace to support growth in key sectors
• Bring forward industrial development projects that would not otherwise be viable and have consequently stalled
• Bring forward residential development/refurbishment projects in or close to the town centre
• Contribute to local economic growth (for example, jobs and investment) or provision of affordable homes
• Promote and embrace net zero carbon objectives
• Contribution to quality living space, affordable to local people

Position up to April 2024

Providence Park - Construction work continues on site, however the developer is reporting a slight delay to programme, due to inclement weather in late 2023. Work on Unit C Manufacturing Hub started in January, with the work on the foundations and steel frame complete. Completion of Unit C is due in October 2024 though the remainder of the units are on course for completion in June 2024.

Beechcliffe Site - The contract with the principal contractor has been signed and sealed. The site investigation works took place in February. These works are undertaken as part of the feasibility stage with the report due in summer 2024. This work will enable an indicative scheme layout to be drawn up and costs provided for the scheme. The mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain regs (Feb 2024) now apply to the redevelopment of this site, consideration will be given to how BNG can be delivered on site whilst also providing for development to come forward. A planning application to follow the feasibility stage.

Victoria Hotel - The project is moving forward and a new application for DIF monies has been received. The application will be externally appraised before project approval and progression to a Grant Funding Agreement.

Project sponsor

Bradford Council

Further information

For further information on this project contact Michelle.Rushworth@bradford.gov.uk.