A POPULAR Keighley community centre has been transformed.

Extensive work to modernise the Sangat Centre, in Marlborough Street, is now complete.

The £370,000 project included the replacement of a section of roof, an electrics upgrade, a new floor in the main hall, the construction of a mezzanine, installation of an energy-efficient heating system and upgraded IT infrastructure.

A £230,000 grant from the Government-funded Keighley Towns Fund helped pay for the work, and £140,000 was awarded by the Community Ownership Fund.

Sangat Centre manager, Riasat Ali, says: "It has been a three-year-plus process to get to this point, but we're so pleased with what has been achieved.

"Previously the building was in a near-constant cycle of ongoing repairs. With Towns Fund support we’ve been able to undertake the extensive scope of works necessary, utilising local tradespeople and organisations to upgrade the centre and make it fit for purpose.

"The results are incredible, and our users are really impressed.

"It is now a bright, warm, modern space where people can use our services in comfort. It’s a place the whole community can feel proud of.

"Staff, volunteers, board members and service users have all contributed towards the successful completion of the project. We would also like to mention the late Ghulam Rabani – who was the previous centre manager – and chair of the board Younas Qamar, who put forward the initial idea and laid the groundwork for this project to be delivered."

Tm Rogers, chair of the Keighley Town Board, says: "It’s fantastic to see what’s been achieved with the funding.

"This renovation means the Sangat Centre can operate more efficiently and effectively for the people it supports. Improving community services in this way is a vital part of the Keighley Towns Fund’s work."

Board member Raza Israil, who volunteered his time to help design the new mezzanine, said: "It was a privilege to give something back to the community by helping to produce a space which so many people can utilise and benefit from. The redevelopment will enable the centre to continue to offer social day care, adult education and youth activities, holiday play schemes and other services to the hundreds of people it supports each week."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw – Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport – said the renovation had "stayed true to the character of the building", but the centre was now fully modernised.