Preparatory work is well underway to make one of Keighley's major eyesore sites ready for an exciting new multi-million pound new development.

With some help from the Single Regeneration Budget, the owners, local company DAVRIC Construction Limited, are busy cleaning up and raising the overall level of the site.

Work includes environmental improvements, protection of the open beck which runs through the proposed development area, and a proper access road and traffic lights.

The site is located in a prime town centre position on one of the main approaches to the town. The development will be designed in sympathy with the character of the neighbouring listed buildings, and the site's status as a conservation area. It is anticipated that refurbishment to parts of Hattersley crescent, owned by DAVRIC, will form an important part of the transformation of the area.

Demolition of the former Hattersley Mill, at Water Lane off Church Green, took place around 15 years ago. Ssince then DAVRIC's managing director, Richard Clough, has explored various proposals for the site.

The company's intention is to transform the site into a vibrant town centre area encompassing retail development, leisure facilities, living accommodation, offices and parking, which will attract businesses and visitors and in turn lead to more employment opportunities and investment in the town. Negotiations are already underway with a number of interested parties, including joint schemes with local companies.

Keighley's deputy mayor Nick Lajsczcuk commented: "The town centre has been allocated under the Unitary Development Plan for expansion. The timing of this initiative seems ideal, and I believe it could stimulate the whole area.

"We have seen similar developments in centres like Leeds and Bradford, which are proving to be highly successful not only in attracting new businesses and creating more jobs, but benefiting the whole of the community.

"This is exactly the kind of progressive investment project the town needs as we carry out essential regeneration and build for the future."

Employing over 40 local people, DAVRIC already has significant investment and interest in the area. The company built and owns the Valley Road business park, and acting for a blue chip client has recently demolished and cleared the former Ondura works ready for major manufacturing and industrial development.

The company has started construction of high quality office/commercial buildings on a site adjacent to its Valley Road business park including purpose-designed offices, workshops and storage. DAVRIC intends to re-locate its own operations to one of the new units, and the others will be available for lease.

Acknowledged for premier quality construction work on behalf of its clients, which in the last 12 months have included social housing projects, office, industrial and commercial projects and over £5million of hospital and healthcare projects, the company continues to recruit and invest locally.

A company spokesperson said: "Clients return, confident of higher quality, safe, competitive, and well managed projects."