B - Town centre and infrastructure improvements

Above: Low Street Phase 1 (completed March 2021) will now, as part of this project, be extended to the remainder of Low Street.

Above: Before and after images of the initial Phase 2 Works on Low Street.

Value

£2.39m

Purpose

The significant enhancement of public realm and connectivity within Keighley town centre.

Scheme descriptions

Scheme name	Scheme description
Low Street - Phase 2	Completion of public realm improvements to the Low Street (pedestrianised street at the heart of Keighley’s retail area). Phase 1 was completed in Q1 2020 at a cost of £400k using West Yorkshire Combined Authority Local Transport Plan, Keighley BID and Bradford Council’s highways capital funding. Phase 2 will complete Low Street’s refurbishment using a palette of natural paving, planters, street lighting and robust street furniture.
Connectivity Study	Analysis of the highways infrastructure and traffic patterns in Keighley town centre to inform proposals for public realm and highways improvements, linked to active travel.
Keighley Town Centre - Public Realm Improvements	Building on the Connectivity Study to determine priorities and options. Improvements are likely to focus on Cavendish Street and the links to and from the railway station, bus station, new Health Hub on North Street (Project J), and retail/commercial core of the town centre.
Infrastructure Improvements – Active Travel	Improvements to footpaths and cycle lanes at Ingrow Lane, Bradford Road, Thwaites Brow Road, Long Lee and Swine Lane.
Real Time Bus Information	A second phase of real time bus information brought to additional bus stops in Keighley.

Position up to April 2024

Low Street - Phase 2 is complete.

Connectivity Study Procurement of a consultant to deliver the ‘Keighley Transport Study’ is complete. Initial meetings held with the consultant. Final report is expected mid 2024.

Public Realm Improvements The Connectivity Study will determine priorities and options for the Public Realm Improvements. The public realm works are likely to focus on Cavendish Street and the links to and from the railway station, bus station, new Health and Wellbeing Centre on North Street (Project J), and retail / commercial core of the town centre. However, an options appraisal to explore potential Public Realm Improvements will run in parallel with the study. Delivery of the public realm works is planned for 2024.

Active Travel/Infrastructure Improvements The majority of the Infrastructure Improvements project are being procured and delivered by the Highways Maintenance (North) Team.

Ingrow Lane, Bracken Bank (footway improvements on a route to school) is complete.

Bradford Road, Keighley (improvements to footway links to railway station) has been awarded to a contractor who has yet to confirm their acceptance. Structures Team are investigating some issues with the bridge. Street Lighting Team are investigating issues with lighting column mounts.

Thwaites Brow Road (repairs and replacement of stone sett surface) started on site in w/c 22 January 2024 and due to complete in March 2024. Specialist contractor procured for the stone setts (310m2 of replacement setts needed). The scope of works needed has grown following site investigations showing deterioration of the setts.

Swine Lane (carriageway widening/improvement) will be designed in conjunction with Traffic and Road Safety Team. There will be some new carriageway construction and possible utility diversions. Delivery is projected to take place in early 2024.

Long Lee and the rights of way from Hillsides is being developed with the Countryside and Right of Way Team. This project is also being informed by feedback from local Ward Councillors and their constituents, to ensure best use of resources.

Real Time Bus Information Delivery of seven sites of real time bus information is complete in Keighley. The installations were funded via Towns Fund and delivered via West Yorkshire Combined Authority, who manage the bus stops infrastructure.

Project sponsor

Bradford Council

Further information

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