Local MP Robbie Moore has helped to secure a further £19.8 million of levelling up funding from the government in a move which is set to see the town become a national leader in advanced engineering, manufacturing and robotics.
Under the plans, confirmed today by the government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, a new Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute will be constructed in Stockbridge, with part of the site to be offered to local entrepreneurs to create new advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses in the town.
Keighley’s MP Robbie Moore, who made the final push for funding with Ministers at the Department for Levelling Up last month, called the move "incredible", saying the government was “putting [Keighley] on the map internationally”.
In a collaboration between Keighley College and Bradford university, the new centre will support research and development in emerging technologies such as advanced robotics, offering high-level skills training and educational opportunities and HNC, HND, Degree, Master; and PhD opportunities for people in Keighley.
The announcement comes on top of the £53.6 million Mr Moore has helped to secure for Keighley through via the government’s Towns Fund, which included the extra £20 million secured this year.
Robbie Moore MP said:
“This is yet more incredible news for Keighley and comes on top of the £ 53.6 million of levelling up funding I have already worked non-stop to secure for our town. Of course, this is also in addition to the government funding secured this year for a new Airedale Hospital, a new sixth form college, and many other projects, including the recent £1 million awarded to secure the future of Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
I am determined to make our town the best place be for manufacturing, engineering and tech - and this new advanced engineering centre is about doing just that, putting our town on the map internationally and placing us at the very heart of the region’s latest tech revolution.
For as long as I am Keighley’s Member of Parliament, I will always make sure that our town is given the proper recognition it deserves, putting our brilliant manufacturing, engineering and tech sector first. This recent funding is all about creating jobs and boosting our local economy and that really does excite me. I look forward to working with all involved to make sure this groundbreaking new project is a success.”
