PLANS to build a state-of-the-art 'robotics centre' in the middle of Keighley have been welcomed.

The multi-million-pound development was originally earmarked for part of the Bradford Council depot site at Stockbridge.

But now town-centre land once home to Keighley College has been identified as a potential location for the scheme.

The Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute will offer high-level skills training and educational opportunities, supporting research and development in emerging technologies.

It formed part of a Bradford Council bid for Government Levelling Up Fund support.

The bid – which also sought funding for improvements to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway – was initially rejected, but £19.8m was awarded last November.

The Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute is expected to cost over £8m.

A new report reveals that possible sites now include the former college plot at the junction of Lord Street and Cavendish Street.

The land – which is owned by Bradford Council – was once proposed for a new police station, but two years ago West Yorkshire Police ditched its plans. The site remains vacant and fenced off.

The report adds that as part of the successful bid, the council will need to provide ten per cent of the funding for the scheme, and original expectations of financial backing from the University of Bradford and Luminate Education Group no longer applied.

It says: "The original proposal was to locate the Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute on a site which currently operates as the council’s Stockbridge depot.

"However, the depot site was not deemed to be the ideal location, due to it being on the periphery of the town.

"A revised proposal has since been considered to potentially locate the institute on the former Keighley College Lord Street campus site, which is already cleared and could therefore bring about cost advantages to the project.

"The potential to consider other sites in Keighley also exists."

In relation to the additional funding needed, it states: "The council has recently been engaged in discussions with project partners to ascertain the extent of commitment to delivering the projects.

"In relation to the Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute, the council is trying hard to identify private sector sponsors who may be interested in partnering and considering alternative delivery models.

"The main beneficiaries of the project build are Luminate Education Group and Bradford University, who charge fees, but the risks for the delivery of the project and all associated costs will sit with the council."

The report has been considered by Bradford Council's executive, which agreed efforts should continue to identify alternative sources of match funding and a partner to take on the construction risk of the project. Also, discussions should continue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities about the terms and conditions of the grant award.

Keighley's town mayor, Councillor Gulfraz Hussain, has voiced his support for the scheme – but expressed concerns about the funding situation.

He says: "The successful completion of the Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute is vital for our community, promising to advance our educational infrastructure and drive local economic growth.

"After reviewing the latest report on the project, I'm encouraged by the proposed site change but concerned about the funding challenges outlined.

"It's essential that Bradford Council intensifies efforts to secure private sponsors and explores alternative delivery models.

"Keighley Town Council remains fully committed to supporting this initiative."