A HORTICULTURAL activity centre in Keighley is set to undergo a transformation.

Plans have been unveiled to develop the 1.2-hectare site into a social enterprise hub, designed to support the green economy.

The scheme – at Woodville Activity Centre, in Woodville Road – is being backed with a £155,000 grant from the Government-financed Keighley Towns Fund.

As part of the initiative, the site will be landscaped with growing areas, polytunnels provided and redundant buildings brought back into use to offer facilities such as workshops, kitchens, offices and classrooms.

The centre is currently home to land-management business Yorgreen CIC.

It is leading on the plans, which also include the hosting of up to 20 businesses with social and environmental purposes.

Yorgreen CIC has joined forces with mental health advocacy group True North Collective and Keighley food project Healthy Growth Initiative to form Woodville Community Ltd, which will take on a 25-year lease for the site from Bradford Council.

Shaun O'Hare, director of Yorgreen CIC, says: "We are providing a home for good businesses that aim to create healthier communities and contribute to the green economy.

"We've already grown into something really special.

"Currently we provide a ‘welcome space’ as well as training and volunteering opportunities, supported by partners including the Responsible Timber Company, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Children’s Trust and the Aire Rivers Trust.

"There is a growing number of site users gaining experience, skills and accreditation in land-based learning and expanding their leisure learning in gardening, beekeeping and bushcraft activities.

"Our focus is on creating a net zero place that is home for organised groups and social enterprises with an environmental or wellbeing purpose. We have a real vision for Woodville and the support from Keighley Towns Fund will help us to drive that forward by investing in infrastructure."

Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, says: "We are delighted the fund has been able to support such an exciting project. The centre will offer wellbeing sessions, as well as volunteering opportunities. There is nothing else quite like it anywhere and its vision to become a net zero site with office and training space is such a huge boost for Keighley."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, says: "Woodville Activity Centre is a unique project and its mission to create an inclusive, sustainable base for businesses and the community is inspirational."