Pledge as soaring costs hit transformation of landmark Keighley building

More unforeseen structural issues uncovered during work on the former Victoria Hotel have seen the cost of the £1m scheme rocket by half.

But those behind the project – Worth Valley Developments – vowed this week that despite the setbacks, the initiative WILL be finished and the prime site brought back into use.

Inside the former Victoria Hotel. Picture: Charles Waller

Work began early last year on restoring the long-empty building, at the corner of Cavendish Street and East Parade – creating four ground-floor business premises, with apartments above.

James Plumb – a member of Worth Valley Developments and owner of contractor Keiton Construction – said some unexpected challenges were common with such schemes, however the team had been "shocked" at the scale of what was uncovered.

"During the strip-out phase in a project like this you know you'll always make some unwelcome discoveries but it turns out that the Victoria has been hiding quite a few!" he said.

"Problems we have discovered include corroded steels hidden underneath floorboards, rotten floor joists caked in layers of concrete and issues with a recent new roof – with leaks not becoming apparent until stains began to appear on newly-plastered walls.

Inside the former Victoria Hotel. Picture: Charles Waller

"Also we have found there is some structural insecurity at the back of the building, which has required an innovative solution to be developed to avoid more major work and even road closures."

Mr Plumb added: "We could have bodged things, covered-up what we found or cut corners, but we always take a long-term approach when it comes to building preservation. This makes these discoveries very disheartening, but we are determined to get the job done and to a high standard."

Rob Leighton, a property developer and one of the owners, said the additional work needed had added a considerable amount to the conversion budget.

"We always allow a significant contingency fund for any of our projects but 50 per cent extra was definitely unprecedented and we are having to dig deep to find the extra funds," he said.

"We're determined to do this amazing property justice, but unfortunately – due to the current financial circumstances – it is taking longer than we and the community would wish.

Inside the former Victoria Hotel. Picture: Charles Waller

"But despite the extension of timescales and increase in costs, Worth Valley Developments is keen to reassure the people of Keighley and the future tenants of the Victoria that the project will be finished and the building will be brought back to its former glory."

Tenants of the new commercial units will include Grind and Groove Records, Bec Severs – of Three Little Birds Bakery – and a bar.

For more about the progress of the redevelopment, follow the team on social media – @thevictoriakeighley – or email thevictoriakeighley@gmail.com.