Keighley College bosses have appealed for public support for their ambitious £244,000 art gallery plans.

They are inviting local people to tour the proposed site of Keighley Art Factory, a contemporary gallery and performance space. The team wants to hear local comments before asking Keighley's Single Regeneration Budget for up to £100,000 of government cash.

The college is willing to provide the rest of the money needed to refurbish part of its Harold Town building off Dalton Lane and run it for five years. The result would be an ultra-modern gallery hosting prestigious national exhibitions as well as work by local artists, performers and community groups.

John Bewick, the college's head of creative studies, says the Arts Factory would provide a focal point for the wealth of creative talent in Keighley. He says: "It offers a special place to enhance the cultural and spiritual life of the different communities we have."

Mr Bewick says the location of the building, with its proposed new access off Bradford Road, is ideal both for the college and local people.

The Factory would occupy an entire floor next to the college's art studios, and near thousands of other students taking vocational courses. And it could help revitalise Keighley's former industrial heartland by encouraging more firms to move to the Dalton Lane area.

Mr Bewick points to the success of similar ventures in old industrial buildings, such as Dean Clough in Halifax and Salts Mill in Saltaire, which have attracted a host of small businesses alongside artists.

College bosses believe the Arts Factory will help create or protect at least eight full-time jobs and attract visitors spending around £625,000 a year in the town.

The college is working closely with schools, community groups, businesses and people living near the site to ensure the venture is truly local. Mr Bewick says: "This is Keighley College listening to the people of Keighley.

Interested groups and individuals can visit the gallery site at the Harold Town Building, Chesham Street, on Thursday at 7pm.

Phone Mr Bewick on 618555 for details.

Comments can be sent to Mr Bewick, Head of Creative Studies, Keighley College, Cavendish Street, Keighley BD21 3DF.

The Single Regeneration Budget partnership board will discuss the college's bid for funding on June 17.

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