(Image: Bradford Council)
A £20 MILLION funding pot for Keighley will help develop a “long term vision” for the town – a top Councillor has claimed.
A call to support the £20 million Pride in Place programme was made at Friday’s Keighley Business Awards, by Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Regeneration and Planning.
The town is one of many across the Country that will benefit from the Government cash, aimed to boost forgotten or left behind areas.
Members of the public, community figures and businesses will help decide where the money is spent.
Councillor Andrew Judson addressed the event and highlighted the critical role local employers will play alongside the Keighley Neighbourhood Board to secure a lasting legacy for future generations.
The £20m Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) funded 10-year programme marks the next major chapter in Keighley’s regeneration. It focuses on driving long-term investment into seven key areas:
- Renewing heritage assets
- Strengthening cultural and nature connections to Brontë Country
- Improving the town centre
- Boosting business vitality
- Nurturing enterprising young talent
- Creating safer communities
- Placing local people at the heart of decision-making
Councillor Judson said: “I see first-hand the pride people have in this town, its rich heritage, strong community spirit and the determination to build an even brighter future for generations to come.
“I firmly believe that regeneration is far more than buildings and infrastructure. It is about creating confidence, attracting investment, supporting enterprise and ensuring that our town centres and neighbourhoods remain places where businesses can prosper and communities can thrive.
“Keighley’s future is currently being shaped by a significant programme of investment, and the Pride in Place Programme is an important next step in that journey.
“It will build on the strong foundations laid by the Keighley Towns Fund, which secured £33.6 million to support economic regeneration, job creation, and key development projects across the town.
“Pride in Place gives us the opportunity to build on that success through a long-term vision for Keighley to create a strong town centre, support local communities, and ensure our businesses can continue to prosper for years to come. Under the continued leadership of Chair Tim Rogers, the Keighley Neighbourhood Board will ensure local voices and business priorities remain at the heart of our decision-making.
“The best ideas, energy and solutions already exist within our communities. Pride in Place is about bringing people together, building on local strengths, and supporting residents to play an active role in making positive change happen. I would invite everyone to get involved in shaping the partnerships that will make a lasting difference to our communities."
Local residents, community groups, and business owners can get involved or invite the Pride in Place team to their upcoming events via the following channels:
Social Media- follow updates on Facebook at**@Ere to Ear** or Instagram via**@eretoearPhone**- call the Keighley Area Coordinator’s Office on** 01535 618008**.
Email- submit written project ideas or request further information at** keighleyareacoordinatorsoffice@bradford.gov.uk**.