WORK is expected to start this winter on demolishing the former Keighley College building in Cavendish Street.

Council bosses say a planning application will be submitted shortly and preparatory work on the tendering process will also get underway.

"We hope demolition will begin in the winter – which will entail a compound being installed on the North Street site," said Paul North, Bradford Council's masterplan delivery manager.

"Once demolition starts, we will prepare to market the site.

"Development of both the North Street and Cavendish Street sites will help boost the town's economy."

He also revealed that construction of a left-turn lane from North Street into Cavendish Street is scheduled to start "as soon as possible" this autumn, and should take about 18 weeks to complete.

"The left-turn lane is part of a wider set of proposals which were packaged to relieve congestion in the town centre," added Mr North.

Bradford Council's executive last week agreed £430,000 in funding to demolish the derelict Cavendish Street ex-college building.

The money will also cover the cost of associated works including temporary road closures, fencing, scaffolding and the digging out of foundations.

Afterwards, the site will be top-soiled.

The move comes after long-time efforts to sell the building, whose neighbouring North Street complex has already been flattened, were unsuccessful.

Executive member, Councillor Val Slater, said that despite early forecasts the authority would overspend by £10.5 million by the end of the financial year, it was important the funding was agreed.

"The demolition of the building is an invaluable piece of the jigsaw for regenerating that part of Keighley," she added.

Capital expenditure totalling just over £5m was agreed at the meeting.