Major work has been completed to transform a community organisation in Keighley, after a year of renovations to the building.
The Sangat Centre received £230,000 from the government-funded Keighley Towns Fund for essential refurbishments to its Marlborough Street premises, with £140,000 of match funding from the Community Ownership Fund.
The centre has been based in the old Victorian building for more than 20 years and the venue was in urgent need of modernisation. The comprehensive programme of work included replacing a section of the roof, upgrading the electrics, installation of a new floor in the main hall, upgrade for the toilets, construction of a mezzanine, a new energy efficient heating system and new IT network and infrastructure.
Riasat Ali, Sangat Centre Manager, said: “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, said: “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 who volunteered his time to help design the new mezzanine space said: “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.”
Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “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.”
