Former Police Station Project

KEIGHLEY CIVIC CENTRE (FORMER POLICE STATION ON NORTH STREET)

Keighley Town Council have put forward a proposal to create a Civic Centre in the former Police Station on North Street, Keighley.  Discussions have taken place with interested parties including the West Yorkshire Police Authority and the Devonshire Trustees.  The centre would provide a partnership which would enable the provision of services such as Tourist and Visitor Information Centre, a Police Museum, a Licensed Wedding Venue, Conference and Business Meeting Facilities, Restaurant and Kitchens, as well as room for all the administration of the Town Council including Mayor's Chambers and Councillor's offices for private surgeries. 

Several businesses and agencies have agreed to rent office space in order to provide free consumer advice to local people.  There is a great need for such locally available advice on issues including housing, debt and business problems.  Vital services such as these will be restored to Keighley.

The Town Council has still not revealed the projected cost of buying and refurbishing the two storey police station but it has been stated that Keighley people should not see an increase on the precept as the police station would be bought with a loan and both running costs and repayments would be covered from rental income and savings on the council's own accommodation costs.  This will hopefully be a self financing venture.

Among the proposed amenities are:-

  • A police museum incorporating the old cells kitted out in three different eras, memorabilia about local crimes and case histories for school children to follow.
  • Corporate hospitality events combining business gatherings with visits to the old cells and court room re-enactments.
  • A visitor centre to make up for the lack of a Tourist Information Centre in central Keighley, promoting local attractions.
  • Cafes on both floors to serve local people and museum visitors as well as catering for weddings, business events and public functions.
  • The old police garage will be used to store Town Council property such as its van, Christmas decorations, allotments equipment and events equipment.
  • A police and community contact point.

It is to be noted that the former Police Station is a listed building of great importance to Keighley.

Please let us know your views on this major project by either using our Contact Us feedback form on this website, emailing debbie.spink@keighley.gov.uk or ringing the Keighley Town Council office on 01535 618252.

The provisional figures for the above project put to Council in July 2010 when it was agreed that the project should go ahead.  However, since that time the project has altered and the figures look completely different.  The Council is in negotiation with commercial partners over contracts but at this point it is not possible to give out any information in this regard.