A KEIGHLEY community centre is to be demolished.

There were hopes that the currently-closed Keith Thompson Centre, on the Braithwaite estate, could be rejuvenated.

But the dilapidated building has been deemed beyond repair and will be flattened.

Braithwaite People’s Association – which runs the once-thriving centre – said that whilst there was sadness at the outcome, it was the only option.

“Last year ­­– due to Covid – we lost the income from our community cafe and that funded everything,” said the association’s treasurer, John Philip.

“We did try to continue with a takeaway service, but it was losing money and we were struggling to keep-up with repairs to the building.

“The roof started leaking and that has got worse – an office ceiling collapsed.

“Seventy per cent of the ceilings have water damage. There’s water running down the walls and near the electrics.

“We called Incommunities, which owns the land – it sent people out and they confirmed that the building wasn’t safe to use and demolition was the answer. It’s beyond repair.

“It would cost £40,000 simply to make the roof waterproof. The building would need new walls and there’s uncertainty over the condition of the floor. When we took over the building in the 1990s it only had an expected lifespan of another five years, so it has exceeded expectations.”

Mr Philip says the centre is now being vacated and equipment moved out.

Over the years the Braithwaite Avenue building, which prior to the mid-1990s was occupied by the Children’s Society, has provided a venue for everything from the popular community cafe to neighbourhood forums.

“We don’t know at the moment when the demolition will take place,” added Mr Philip, a founder member of the association.

“We’ve always done the best we can for the area.

“Hopefully one day there might be a new building that can serve Braithwaite and Guard House. I do hope someone will pick-up the baton.”

Keighley West district councillor, Adrian Farley, has been attempting to rejuvenate activities at the centre after being approached by concerned residents.

He said: “It’s sad to hear there’s no option of keeping the centre going, but I’ll work hard with the community to establish a way forward. A community centre is vital for Braithwaite and Guard House.”

A spokesman for Incommunities said: “Following discussions, Braithwaite People’s Association has chosen to end the land lease with us at the site. Although the structure is not our responsibility we are working with the association to help remove it. As yet we have made no decisions about the future of this space.”