Concerns have been expressed about the future of one of Keighley town centre’s most iconic buildings.

Ward councillor Abid Hussain called for investment in the Victoria Hotel pub so it could be quickly brought back into use.

And local regeneration specialist, Mick Milner, said he hoped the current appearance and condition of the ‘Vic’ would be maintained. The historic hotel and pub in Cavendish Street has been closed since March this year.

The building, which has ten bedrooms, a function room and two ground-floor bars, was put on the market for £375,000.

The current ownership status of the building is not known, and no-one has responded to a message left at the premises by the Keighley News.

Coun Hussain said: “The hotel needs someone to invest in it because it’s one of the gateways for the town centre.

“When you turn into Cavendish Street, it’s a shame to see such a beautiful building lying empty.”

He said it was particularly important to bring the building back into use by the time the planned Worth Valley Shopping Centre – round the corner in East Parade – is completed.

Construction of the £30 million shopping centre is due to begin later this year ready for a spring 2015 opening.

Mick Milner, a member of the Airedale Partnership regeneration agency, hopes the owner of the Victoria Hotel will maintain its current condition even while it is empty.

He said it was a key part of central Keighley’s past, similar to the Victorian and Edwardian buildings in nearby North Street currently being renovated through the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Mr Milner added: “We would hope the owners are aware of its history and its strategic importance.”

Fred Baker, secretary of Keighley & Craven Campaign for Real Ale, said: “We’re always concerned when a pub has been shut for a long time, particularly when it’s situated in a prominent location like this.”