A £19.8million windfall could help put Kelly on the global map

The funding, confirmed by the Department of Settlement, Housing and Communities this week, will see the establishment of an advanced robotics and engineering institute on part of the Stockbridge Council depot site.

A collaboration between Keele College and the University of Bradford, the cutting-edge center will support research and development in emerging technologies, and provide high-level skills training and educational opportunities.

Some parts of the site will also be offered to entrepreneurs to establish new advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses.

The successful bid – submitted by Bradford Council – also includes opening up industrial sites for industrial development, and improvements that could see the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway become a major transport hub and commuter route.

Robbie Moore, Member of Parliament for Keighley, says: “This is incredible news for Keighley and comes in addition to the £53.6 million in funding we have already worked tirelessly to secure for our city. And of course this is also in addition to government funding being secured this year for Airedale Hospital.” The new school, a new college for sixth grade, and many other projects.

“I am determined to make our city the best place for manufacturing, engineering and technology – and this new advanced engineering center is about doing just that, putting our city on the international map and putting us at the heart of the region’s latest developments. The technology revolution.”

“I look forward to working with everyone involved to ensure the success of this pioneering new project.”

Labour’s Keighley parliamentary candidate, John Grogan, says: “I am delighted that the Government, the second time I asked, have accepted this offer from Bradford Council.

“This is essentially the same show that the local MP said was of poor quality last February, but a close general election tends to focus the mind.

“The money is also due to be spent on groundworks and clearing at other development sites in the town and on providing passenger services on the Keighley & Worth Valley railway line. Significant delays mean costs have risen in the meantime and time is now tight. Delivered on time The final set by the government is 2026. A strong partnership approach is needed by all concerned to get the job done.

Councilor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, says: “We are delighted that our offer has now been accepted. This is great news for Kelly and I am very pleased for the residents and partner organisations. I have to wonder why the local MP rejected this same offer previously, but I’m sure It will now also lend its support as the government has described it as “high quality” and provided funding to deliver it.

“A number of partners have worked very hard to achieve this and will now continue to work at pace to try to meet the challenge of delivering it in a much shorter time frame.”

Mayor of Keighley, Councilor John Kirby, welcomes the Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute.

“For generations, Keighley has been an ‘industrial’ city,” he says. “With this investment, we will continue to be an industrial city, at the forefront of the most advanced technologies.

“It is now important to release funding as soon as possible, to allow work to begin and for the town and our residents to receive the benefits as soon as possible.”

Kevin O’Hare, Principal of Keele College, says: “This is great news for the Keele region, employers and the economy.

“As a college committed to helping our students and community excel, we cannot wait to collaborate with the University of Bradford to explore and share all the opportunities that the new Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute will provide.

“This will include providing invaluable R&D support to local businesses, along with first-class skills training.

“The Institute’s function will also closely align with the work of our new Center for Future Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology, which is currently underway. Together, these two developments represent a major step towards positioning our city and region as a leading light in these vital growth industries.”