PLANS for a new bowling alley that would “increase footfall” in a town centre, including in the evening, have been approved.
Plans to turn the former Marks & Spencer in Keighley town centre into a new leisure venue were first revealed earlier this Summer.
Submitted by Hardeep Singh Sandal, the application would see the inside of the ex-department store on Low Street redeveloped to create 10 bowling lanes, pool tables, and a restaurant and bar area.
The plans have now been approved by Bradford Council, who said the bowling alley would help diversify the types of business in the town centre.
The former M&S is part of the Airedale Shopping Centre – a venue that has suffered from several high-profile closures in recent years.
The application said the business would open between 9am until 11pm on Sunday to Thursday and 9am until midnight from on Friday and Saturday, and create 10 full-time jobs.
It said: “The proposal seeks to transform the currently underutilised commercial space into a vibrant family entertainment centre.
“The development has been carefully designed to create an engaging leisure destination that attracts a wide range of visitors throughout the day and into the evening.
“The scheme aims to diversify the offer within Airedale Shopping Centre by introducing a complementary leisure use that encourages increased footfall, extends activity beyond traditional retail trading hours, and contributes to the ongoing regeneration and vitality of the town centre.”
There had been one objection, claiming anti-social behaviour issues would be exacerbated if the plan is allowed.
Approving the development, planning officers said: “The site is located within the established town centre where national and local planning policy generally supports a diverse range of commercial uses, including leisure and entertainment facilities, which contribute towards the vitality and viability of centres.
“The proposal would diversify the town centre offer, increase footfall and support linked trips to surrounding businesses, particularly during evenings and weekends. “Furthermore, the reoccupation of a vacant unit would represent an efficient use of an existing building and assist in reducing long-term vacancy within the commercial core.
“The site occupies a highly sustainable town centre location that is readily accessible by a range of transport modes, including walking, cycling and public transport.
“The development would secure the occupation of a vacant commercial unit, support employment opportunities and help diversify the service offer within Keighley Town Centre.
“These factors weigh positively in favour of the proposal.”
The bowling alley will be one of several high-profile openings in Keighley in the coming months.
A new branch of Nandos is due to open on East Parade later this year, with planning permission for a new McDonalds on Gresley Road granted earlier this year.
A new arts centre run by Keighley Creative will soon open in a former department store on Hanover Street.
And the refurbishment of the former Victoria Hotel on Cavendish Street is due to be completed by early 2027.
That scheme will see the long vacant hotel converted into ground floor retail units and flats on the upper floors.
