Study to shape college’s future
A FEASIBILITY study to determine potential future development and regeneration opportunities at a Yorkshire college is to be undertaken.
The Airedale Partnership has appointed BDP Architects, Engineers and Designers as lead consultants and CB Richard Ellis as property advisers for how the Keighley College Campus site could be used when it becomes vacant in summer 2010.
The one acre site is presently occupied by Park Lane College.
The college is in the process of constructing a new campus on Dalton Lane within the town and the new facility is anticipated to be operational by summer 2010, leaving the North Street site vacant from October next year.
The Airedale Partnership, led by the private sector and with the full backing of Bradford Council and Yorkshire Forward, is a regeneration initiative supporting the growth and renaissance of the local economy.
BDP and CBRE have been instructed to make recommendations on the re-use or development of the site so that it can contribute to the regeneration of the town and meet the objectives of the Airedale Corridor Masterplan and Strategy.
The large site can accommodate a range of uses and the focus will be on a high quality, sustainable mixed-use development that will improve the town centre by diversifying the retail and leisure offer and also act as a catalyst for wider regeneration within the locality.
The study is expected to be completed in early June and will involve consultation with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including potential owners and investors. There will also be a public consultation event before the study is completed.
Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy and chairman of the Airedale Partnership, Councillor Adrian Naylor, said: “The redevelopment of the former Keighley College buildings on North Street/Cavendish Street was identified as a priority project in the Airedale Masterplan.
“Keighley is already witnessing major investment with work on both the new Park Lane College and Asda store well underway.
“The appointment of BDP and CB Richard Ellis is the first step in the next stage of regeneration strengthening the economic vitality of the town, creating jobs and continuing progress with the delivery of the Airedale Masterplan.”
Francis Glare, director at BDP, said: “This is a great site at the heart of Keighley. We want to ensure that whatever replaces the College on this site, it adds to the vibrancy and attractiveness of the town centre.”
David Codling, director of regeneration for CBRE in the north of England, said: “We are delighted to be appointed along with BDP to undertake this study on what is one of the most important and exciting sites in the town centre.
“The opportunity site has the potential to accommodate a wide range of uses that can make a significant contribution to Keighley’s economy and we look forward to working closely with the Airedale Partnership on this significant instruction.”
