A KEY site in the middle of Keighley will be completely re-developed under soon to be revealed plans.

MCR Property Group has announced that it plans to partially demolish Airedale Mills in Keighley as part of a development of new commercial units.

The site is the former home of Peter Blacks, once one of Keighley’s biggest employers with over 1,000 staff.

MCR plans to retain the distinctive stone building at the heart of the site, on Lawkholme Lane, but other more modern buildings will go.

A full planning application is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.

The company says: “The regeneration of the Airedale Mill will comprise of multiple commercial units where buyers will be able to design and build space to meet their own requirements.

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“Ground floor and first floor office suites will also be available within the original stone building, with off-road parking and loading facilities.”

Martin Brown, asset manager at MCR, said: “We are delighted to submit plans for Airedale Mill with the intention of restoring this commercial area to its former glory, when Peter Blacks was a major employer in Keighley.

"Local businesses are important to us and we will appeal to these businesses to ascertain their requirements for the commercial space.

“Airedale Mill means so much to the people of Keighley. We want to maintain the integrity of the buildings and the history associated with these. The original stone building will remain, as well as the building currently occupied by The Original Factory Shop”

A planning application for the site will be submitted later this year.