Keighley is set to get a jobs boost when a national homeware store opens a branch in a disused bowling alley

Dunelm Mills has been given the go-ahead by Bradford Council to transform the AMF Bowling building at Alston Retail Park into a store with a mezzanine floor and cafe.

The project will see a £1m investment, and the company hopes the store will be open by next summer.

It is expected to create about 20 full-time and 45 part-time jobs.

The bowling alley has been on the site since 1990, but closed in 2010 shortly after being sold to Garland Leisure Group.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Khadim Hussain, whose ward includes the retail park, said: “In the current climate, that many jobs being created really is welcome news.

“From a council perspective, I’m sure we’ll provide all the help we can.

“It is always good to see empty buildings being turned back into businesses and really reach their potential. It is a huge boost for Keighley, where we have a relatively high level of unemployment for young people. I hope they try and recruit locally. It is a credit to Keighley that they have chosen to open here and it sends out a positive message about the town to other businesses.

“Hopefully it will have a domino effect and encourage other groups to move here.”

A spokesman for Dunelm Mills said: “We are thrilled to be opening a Dunelm store in Keighley. We are also delighted to be able to provide new employment in the local area.

“The store is due to open next summer but this is dependent on the necessary building works that are being carried out by the owners of the retail park.”

Meanwhile TK Maxx is opening a new store, on the nearby Keighley Retail Park, Hard Ings Road, today.