Keyland Developments Ltd has submitted an outline application to Kirklees Council for a mixed-use development comprising 400,000 sq ft of employment space and 100 houses on a 57 acre former water treatment works site in West Yorkshire which could generate some 800 new jobs.
Keyland’s plans seek to transform the redundant North Bierley Water Treatment Works site which has lain dormant since 2010 and is strategically positioned north of the M62 and to the east of the M606 in West Yorkshire, into a major community benefit scheme.
In preparation for the submission of the application, the team has been engaging with the local community and working closely with Kirklees Council to design a mixed-use scheme which will maximise the potential of the site and contribute to the long-term economic regeneration of the area. As a result, Keyland’s proposals incorporate 400,000 sq ft of mixed employment space, 100 new homes and a new school car park.
The business space incorporates a range of proposed unit sizes and is intended to address the severe regional shortage of new employment accommodation. Keyland’s research indicates that nearby business parks in North Kirklees and South Bradford, as well as the wider regional area, are already operating at full capacity, resulting in limited opportunities for local and regionally based businesses to expand. It is hoped that the new business space opportunities will assist local and regional business to grow within the area.
A mix of family and affordable homes have been introduced to Keyland’s proposals in response to a clear requirement within the locality. Positioned on the Leeds and Bradford commuter-belt, the site is also well positioned to house families working across the region.
Additionally, the proposals include provision of a new car park for the local school, further adding to the community benefit.
Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments Ltd, said; “The North Bierley site is one of the most strategically placed and extensive sites within the region and as such, we want to ensure that it is brought back into life and put to its best possible use. Having spent several months working closely with the local community and council, we have created a mixed-use scheme which ticks multiple important regeneration criteria of new homes, new business space and new community facilities.
“We hope to support local businesses and the surrounding community through the provision of a well-considered development to make a valued and sustainable contribution to the local economy.”
Mike Dove, Partner at Dove Haigh Phillips, consultant to Keyland commented; “The site occupies a prime location at a major intersection of the M62 Transpennine motorway and the M606 Bradford Link. The area around Junction 26 “Chain Bar” has undergone transformational development in recent years because this location holds strong appeal to regional and national companies.”
Turley has submitted the planning application on behalf of Keyland Developments.