A HEALTH and wellbeing centre – controversially earmarked for Keighley's 'green space' ­– will create 200 jobs and provide a huge regeneration boost for the town, says a senior councillor.

Alex Ross-Shaw – Bradford Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport – was speaking after new calls were made for the North Street site, formerly home to the college, to be retained as an open area.

A public meeting was held last week to debate the issue. And the town's MP Robbie Moore and newly-elected Conservative Keighley Central councillor Mohammed Nazam are urging people to back a 'Keep it Green' campaign, at robbiemoore.org.uk/KeepItGreen.

"It is clear from what I have heard that the people of Keighley want this land to remain as open green space – landscaped for us all to be able to enjoy," said Mr Moore.

"The future of the site should be decided by the people of Keighley, not by Bradford.

"There are plenty of brownfield sites in and around Keighley which are prime for development. Let’s use these and treasure our limited green spaces, especially the green space right in the centre of town."

He said a petition opposing the council's plans had so far been signed by nearly 2,000 residents.

And a survey had shown a majority in favour of turning the land into a memorial park in tribute to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore – who was born in Keighley – and possibly also to popular and acclaimed local historian Dr Ian Dewhirst, who died in 2019.

But Cllr Ross-Shaw says the site was given to the council on "strict condition" it was redeveloped for employment use.

He said: "Mr Moore sits on the Keighley Towns Fund Board where there have been extensive discussions about this site and its designation as a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre, delivered in partnership with our local NHS. It was then included in the Town Investment Plan which he backed and, just recently, we were all delighted that his Government agreed with us and funded the plan.

"I want to thank all the board members who – with public involvement – did a fantastic job developing the Town Investment Plan, which includes the health and wellbeing centre. Mr Moore also knows that the site was granted to the council by a Government agency on the strict condition that it was redeveloped for employment uses to deliver regeneration to Keighley town centre.

"People of this town told the Towns Fund Board loud and clear during the consultation that they wanted better health services. A health and wellbeing centre would mean easy access to all sorts of services, including blood tests, dentists and check-ups. The people of Keighley also said regeneration is incredibly important – more footfall, better shops, more leisure offers and a better night-time economy. This centre gets 200 jobs into the heart of the town centre, people who will spend money in the town.

"The council also knows through the consultation that green spaces are important to people. Keighley is blessed with many fantastic green spaces that the council has invested heavily in such as the grounds at Cliffe Castle. I want to assure the people of Keighley we remain absolutely committed to maintaining these green spaces and delivering new ones on suitable sites, including in the town centre. We’d like to do that together with residents and interested community groups."

Steve Seymour, manager of Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre, is also supportive of the health and wellbeing centre.

He said: "Whilst I appreciate some residents’ position on the site, I cannot support keeping it as a green space.

"Keighley is exceptionally lucky to have five excellent parks within walking distance of the town centre. I would also add that as a resident of Keighley, a dad and now pap, I would not want my children playing so close to the main road.

"This area has been allocated for regeneration as far back as when the new college opened. It provides a central, accessible location for much-needed and missing health facilities. Once completed, the development will provide employment to hundreds of people, all of whom are potential customers to the town who will shop, eat and socialise. Coupled with improved access to the various community services that the building will host, this has to be a benefit to the whole of Keighley."

But Mr Moore says the council's stance over the site is "in direct contrast" to the views of many residents.

His comments are echoed by Cllr Nazam, who added: "I strongly oppose any development on this site and would like to send a clear message to the Labour administration at Bradford Council that they should listen to voice of Keighley and keep it green."