800 jobs could be created on former works site

Keyland Developments has submitted an outline application to Kirklees Council for a mixed-use development, which could lead to the development of 400,000 sq ft of employment space and 100 houses on the redundant North Bierley Water Treatment Works site. The site has been dormant since 2010.

Keyland’s proposals incorporate 100 homes and a new school car park.

A Keyland spokesman said: “The business space incorporates a range of proposed unit sizes and is intended to address the severe regional shortage of new employment accommodation. Keyland’s research indicates that nearby business parks in North Kirklees and South Bradford, as well as the wider regional area, are already operating at full capacity, resulting in limited opportunities for local and regionally based businesses to expand. It is hoped that the new business space opportunities will assist local and regional business to grow within the area.”

Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments Ltd, said; “The North Bierley site is one of the most strategically placed and extensive sites within the region and as such, we want to ensure that it is brought back into life and put to its best possible use. Having spent several months working closely with the local community and council, we have created a mixed-use scheme which ticks multiple important regeneration criteria of new homes, new business space and new community facilities.

“We hope to support local businesses and the surrounding community through the provision of a well-considered development to make a valued and sustainable contribution to the local economy.”

Mike Dove, Partner at Dove Haigh Phillips, consultant to Keyland commented; “The site occupies a prime location at a major intersection of the M62 Transpennine motorway and the M606 Bradford Link. The area around Junction 26 Chain Bar has undergone transformational development in recent years because this location holds strong appeal to regional and national companies.”

Turley has submitted the planning application on behalf of Keyland Developments.

Keyland Developments Ltd is the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water.

Keyland has been operating across Yorkshire for more than 20 years, regenerating Yorkshire Water’s redundant sites.

The team also works alongside independent landowners, corporates or regulated bodies to overcome obstacles to development on strategic sites.