Renovation of Sangat Centre in Keighley completed
Year-long refurbishment transforms Victorian building that is home to local community organisation in West Yorkshire
The Sangat Centre in Keighley is a community association that offers confidential advice – over the phone or in person – to help people exercise their rights and deal with legal or social issues. It’s available to anyone, regardless of background or financial means. In addition, the centre runs youth activities, social day care and adult education.
Sangat Centre Manager Riasat Ali, caretaker Imran Ahmad and volunteer Mohammed Shafique, seen during renovation work on the Sangat Centre in Keighley. Photo courtesy of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
For more than 20 years, the Sangat Centre has been based in a Victorian building that urgently needed modernisation. That finally got under way following a £230,000 grant from the government-funded Keighley Towns Fund and £140,000 of match funding from the Community Ownership Fund.
The wide-ranging work has included replacing a section of the roof, upgrading electrics, installing a new floor in the main hall, upgrading toilets, constructing a mezzanine and incorporating a new energy efficient heating system and IT network and infrastructure.
Riasat Ali, Manager of the Sangat Centre, says: ‘It has been over a three year-long process to get to this point but we are so pleased with what has been achieved. Previously, the building was in a near-constant cycle of ongoing repairs. With the Towns Fund we’ve been able to undertake the extensive scope of works, utilising our local tradespeople and organisations to upgrade the centre and make it fit for purpose.
‘The results are incredible, and our users are really impressed with the renovation. This is a bright, warm, modern space now 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 this project. We would also like to mention the late Mr. 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.’
Tim Rogers, Chair of the Keighley Town Board, adds: ‘It’s fantastic to see what’s been achieved here with the funding. This is a building which now functions well, and which people can be proud of for years to come. This full 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 volunteered his own time to help design the new mezzanine space. He says: ‘It’s 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 association to continue to offer social day care, adult education activities, youth activities, holiday play schemes and other services to the hundreds of people it supports each week.’
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport at Bradford Council, adds: ‘The renovation has stayed true to the character of the building but means that it is now energy efficient and can meet the digital and online needs of service users. This brilliant space provides an accessible, practical environment for an extensive range of crucial community services.’
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