Work underway to turn former Keighley department store into 'nationally significant' arts centre
The multi million pound development will see the upper floor of the former Sunwin House department store in Keighley converted into a new creative hub
WORK to turn a former department store into a “nationally significant” arts centre is now well underway.
The multi million pound development will see the upper floor of the former Sunwin House department store in Keighley converted into a new creative hub and home for local arts group Keighley Creative.
The work will create exhibition, studio, performance and workshop space, and the front of the building will become a “street gallery.”
The work is being funded by a £2.6m grant from the Keighley Towns Fund, administered by Bradford Council; £1.27m from the Community Ownership Fund; £906,000 through Keighley College and £250,000 from Bradford 2025’s Cultural Capital Fund.
When up and running, the hub will provide a permanent base for the town’s creative sector, local artists, makers, and community groups.
Keighley College will also be providing an adult skills offer to support adults get into employment, training or work.
Riaz Meer, Executive Director of Keighley Creative – positioned to take up occupancy in the building, said: “It’s exciting to see the refurbishment of Sunwin House take shape.
“Since securing this significant investment through the Towns Fund, Keighley Creative have been working hard with the landlord, East St Arts and their design team.
“Our dedicated Board of Trustees will continue to work with our partners to ensure the new building makes a significant positive impact to the regeneration of Keighley Town Centre and properly serves the artistic needs of the people of Keighley.”
The lease for the building will be held by East Street Arts, a Leeds-based charity, working to provide workspace, resources and professional support for artists across England and Wales.
Jon Wakeman, Artistic Director of East Street Arts, said: “This will be a vital piece of creative infrastructure for the region, supporting the creative industries through educational access, workspace and space for artists and makers to show their work. It’s also a nationally significant project, showing how investment in creative workspace can drive regeneration and support healthier, more resilient town centres.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The transformation of Sunwin House is significant for the revitalisation of Keighley town centre and we believe it will act as a catalyst for further regeneration. Turning this landmark building into a cultural hub will create new opportunities for residents, attract visitors, and breathe life into the space.”
Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture said: “Through the Cultural Capital Fund we’re ensuring that the UK City of Culture designation has a lifelong impact on the district, supporting the sector to grow and for communities to come together to experience art."
"The incredible transformation of Sunwin House has created a flexible space for artists to come together, collaborate and grow – expanding their networks and building on the already thriving creative community in Keighley.”