£1.8m project returns empty landmark to community use

The 19th century former Methodist church in Alice Street, which had to be closed to the public in 2003 on health and safety grounds, has been transformed into a modern-day community resource centre, run by Keighley & Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) on a 99-year lease at a peppercorn rent.

Local groups will be able to make use of new meeting rooms, conference rooms, and venue hire and exhibition space as well as a café and wi-fi access while business training programmes will be offered at Central Hall, which will also become home to KIVCA, Age UK and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Central Hall is the latest example of regeneration being carried out within the Airedale Masterplan area.

Coun David Green, Bradford Council’s Executive Member responsible for asset management, said: “This is a fantastic new facility for Keighley and brings a great building back into use for the benefit of the community.

“By supporting Keighley & Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action, the council has helped not-for-profit groups, as well as new businesses, gain access to a series of great resources and services.

“Central Hall has been a landmark in Keighley since 1893 – I hope this deal ensures the building remains at the heart of the community for many more years.”

Caroline Schwaller, Chief Executive of KIVCA, said: “After many years of planning and dreaming, it’s so exciting to see this building come alive again.

“We must extend enormous thanks to the the council for helping us create such a fantastic new resource for Keighley.”

The scheme has been supported by a £999,954 grant from the Community Asset Fund administered by The Big Lottery, £650,000 from Bradford Council using funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, and £144,971 from KIVCA.

Building work began on the project in October 2009 to bring the building, which has been used by the local community since the 1940s, up to scratch and has involved a complete interior refurbishment as well as extensions to the east and west of the building.