Character Area 7: Marley Park

The focus of this character area should still be for open space and leisure purposes, but to better connect and serve the surrounding areas of Keighley, which suffer from a lack of green spaces, particularly within the town centre core. Longer-term, a consolidation of existing commercial uses which are out of keeping with the character of the area will be encouraged, and over-time replaced with more appropriate residential development.  

Potential interventions could include the following: 

• Improving Access to Green Spaces - building on the proposed River Worth Linear Park to improve access for residents to blue (river/ canal) and green infrastructure (parks/open countryside) in Keighley.
• Creation of Marley Country Park – broaden the current open space provision and amenity offering to create an enhanced Marley Country Park, working alongside the National Trust and Yorkshire Water.  This would also include investment in Marley ACC, providing a new all-weather pitch, changing facilities and amenities on site.  
• Relocation of commercial uses – relocation of incompatible commercial uses on Harclo Street and Marland Road.
• Provision of new residential uses – provision of high-quality housing infill development, in keeping with the character of the area, on the site of former commercial units.

The proposed interventions as set out are indicative only. There is no funding commitment at this stage to deliver the vision. If the proposals are supported by stakeholders, a more detailed delivery plan would be considered as funding opportunities arise.