D-day looms on shopping centre plan for town

Leeds-based property development company Stainsby Grange Ltd says its plans will bring a much-needed boost to the area.

But Airedale Shopping Centre bosses fear the new Worth Valley shopping centre would draw away shoppers from the existing retail area.

Airedale Partnership, however, fully supports the proposals for East Parade, Gresley Road and Coney Lane, saying the new shops will boost the Keighley economy and expand the town’s retail centre.

In a report prepared for the planning meeting at Keighley Town Hall, the partnership says the scheme will “regenerate a generally poor quality area by replacing rapidly degrading mill and associated buildings with a new modern centre”.

As well as a huge shopping centre the development could include restaurants/bars and leisure facilities such as a cinema/gym.

The Cricketer’s Arms pub would remain and a 360-space car park would be incorporated into the plans.

In conclusion, the report says: “The delivery of economic development on a long-established development plan allocation is welcome and it is considered the proposed scheme will not have a significant adverse impact on the existing town centre.

“Indeed the proposal will facilitate much-needed investment and innovation in the retail sector in Keighley and will encourage more people to visit and use Keighley as a shopping destination as well as securing sustainable economic development to the town.”

It adds that the council’s retail consultants, White Young Green, do not think there is much evidence to support the view of the Airedale Shopping Centre’s consultants, DPP.