KEIGHLEY’S River Aire corridor has become a manufacturing hub following the completion of two major Riverside schemes.

All 12 companies that moved onto the massive former Magnet Joinery site in Royd Ings Avenue are manufacturing operations.

The specially-built units making up the neighbouring Riverside and Aireside business parks sold for a total of £17 million.

The entire 17-acre site, opposite the Keighley Cougars stadium and Keighley police station, is fully occupied, with more than 400 people working for the dozen firms.

Addingham-based Turner Developments has highlighted the full extent of the success of its ambitious operation to bring the twin sites back into use.

Managing director James Turner spoke after the Keighley News revealed that Turner’s current project – the £10 million regeneration of derelict industrial land off Dalton Lane – is making significant progress.

Turner is working closely with Bradford Council to create a business park incorporating both the ‘Worthington’ site behind Keighley Fire Station and the adjacent former Harold Town annex of Keighley College.

Mr Turner this week said the work of Turner and its development partners, including architects, consultants, land agents and law firm Gordons, had seen all 12 industrial buildings at Riverside and Aireside sold and fully occupied.

He added: “The success of Aireside showed very strong demand for prime industrial property in the area, where the many attractions include great access to the Aire Valley trunk road.

“This gave us belief that we could speculatively develop the old Magnet site. Unprecedented interest in phase one allowed us to fast-track our plans at Riverside Business Park, and now we have reached the conclusion of what has been a hugely successful project for the Aire Valley.

“Everyone involved believed in our vision from the outset. Their ability to work together seamlessly, seize upon opportunities and overcome challenges played an important role our success.”