A MAJOR new fundraising drive has been announced to collect the cash needed for a big, planned extension to a community centre in Keighley.

The Highfield Community Association, which runs the centre in Drewry Road, has already managed to raise more than £300,000 towards the total cost.

But it needs to make up a shortfall of £40,000 by March 28 to allow the project to become a reality, and has set up an online Crowd Funding page where people can donate.

The association wants to turn an outdoor games area at the northern end of the building into an enclosed space. Planning permission has already been granted.

HCA community development manager Fazeela Hanif said: "Our current outdoor Multi-use Games Area is currently not fit for purpose and is underused due to poor weather conditions, criminal damage and racial tensions meaning cancellations of bookings and loss of income.

"Building an indoor space on the land will allow us to expand the range of services available, increase days of use and help to generate income.

"We'll be able to facilitate multicultural activities, sports and community events which will help to foster community cohesion and participation.

"In addition, we wish to create a mezzanine floor above our existing hall, which will allow us to deliver much-needed services.

"This space will include a multi-use area for children and young people, training and meeting rooms which will help us arrange job clubs, adult educations classes, a community cafe and other programmes.

"The existing hall will be modernised and used for community events, meetings, large weddings and functions.

"In doing this we expect to see a considerable increase in educational, leisure, health and well-being and training opportunities for young people and the whole community.

"We also expect to provide local employment and volunteer opportunities."

Ms Hanif added that the centre was well-established, and has been operating for more than ten years.

However, despite its success, there are still services it cannot offer due to lack of space and capacity.

"The local community has told us that they'd like more services provided in the building," Ms Hanif said.

"We have a lot of people from across Keighley's diverse communities who use the centre, so this is something we've been looking forward to doing for a long time."

The plans are being backed by Councillor Abid Hussain (Lab, Keighley Central), who said he was particularly pleased with the prospect of young people having more incentive to get involved in sport.

"This would be a big boost for Keighley Central, and another way in which more young people can be encouraged off the streets," he added. "It's a good move and I fully support it."

People can visit the Crowd Funding page at crowdfunder.co.uk/hca-building-a-lasting-future-1 to help raise the money for the scheme.