Keighley College has announced plans to move into a £23 million new campus next to the railway station.

All 14,000 students would move to the purpose-built building in the college's former Dalton Lane annex.

Hi-tech multi-media and advanced engineering courses would be offered alongside the college's traditional subjects.

The campus would also have shops, leisure and conference facilities, a large car park, full disabled access and a management suite.

Buses would pull into a specially built lay-by, and there could be a new direct entrance to the railway station.

David Gates, who took over as Keighley College principal last year, has secured firm backing from his governors for the proposal.

The government's Learning and Skills Council, which would provide most of the funding, has also expressed support.

Mr Gates said development plans were in their early stages, with further work needed on the financial and practical implications. However, building work could begin this year at the site - near the junction of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road - with students moving in by September 2006.

Keighley College's present buildings - on Cavendish Street, and the Harold Town complex further down Dalton Lane - would be sold.

College bosses plan to work closely with Keighley businesses in planning the courses and services available in the new building. They are also talking to local organisations about other facilities that could be offered on or near the campus.

The new college would have separate centres for advanced engineering, construction, computing, technology, multi-media, health and social care and hairdressing.

Mr Gates said: "With local employers we wish to address skills shortages and productivity gaps, and with schools raise the aspirations and achievements or young people."

Mr Gates believes the new campus would be a major investment for Keighley, meeting the needs of local people and local industry. He said: "We wish to offer equality of opportunity, enabling people to progress with their education and training to achieve their maximum potential.

"We will have a facility which offers a plethora of opportunities for Keighley and district. This is a very exciting prospect for us all."

Mr Gates was due to unveil his plans yesterday when he addressed the Airedale Partnership, the Keighley area's new development body. He believes the support of such organisations - which are spearheading Keighley's regeneration - is vital for the project's success.

He added: "We wish to work with as many partners as possible so we can consider the needs of all sections of the community. This will include schools, higher education, voluntary and community groups, employers, development agency Yorkshire Forward and Bradford council."

Mr Gates said the new college campus would offer local people and employers first-class education and training facilities on their doorstep.

He added: "The proposed building will provide accommodation suitable to deliver the breadth, depth and wide range of courses the college provides now, in addition to those proposed for the future. The latest technology will be fitted according to the requirements of legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act"

Mike Lowe of the Learning and Skills Council said: "This is an exciting proposal for the college and the people of Keighley and District. In principle the LSC supports the proposals, though we are still in discussions with the college."