It is back to the future for the derelict site earmarked for Keighley’s high-tech clean energy complex.

For the land, at Marley, was once the hub of the town’s power production.

Gas works opened on the plot in 1876 and remained in operation for almost a century. They were demolished in 1971.

The site was fully decontaminated seven years ago.

“For most of the past century, this site was one of the main sources of energy supply for the town,” said John Steel, agent for the new scheme.

“Now that role could be revived.”

Of the three planned state-of-the-art plants, one would use a combustion technology to generate electricity, while the others would recycle used materials through melting methods.

Approval has already been granted for access to the site from the adjacent Aire Valley trunk road, and a large sculpture, signifying the importance of energy production at the location, will be placed near the entrance. There will also be an ornamental pond and the area will be fully landscaped.

About three or four lorry loads of waste an hour will be brought to the plants.

“That would equate to about 35 journeys a day weekdays and four hours on a Saturday,” said Nick Pearce, from Halliday Clark architects.

“The waste will be brought from within a 25-mile radius of the site.”

Pre-booked groups and others would be able to visit the complex to see the processes and learn more about clean energy.

And there will be a new footpath and cycleway from Marley Road running along the site’s northern boundary, giving pedestrians and cyclists access without having to use the Aire Valley road.