A major redevelopment at Keighley Association for Women and Children’s Centre has created new facilities to support more women, children and families, including a dedicated skills hub and improved accessibility.
A major expansion of Keighley Association for Women and Children’s Centre (KAWACC) has officially been completed, marking an important milestone for one of the town’s longest-established community organisations.
The redevelopment has transformed the centre, extending its facilities into the former car park to provide additional space for vital community services.
The project has delivered two new rooms, including a dedicated skills hub, alongside a new lift to improve accessibility.
The improvements will allow KAWACC to expand its education, training, health and wellbeing services, helping more women and families facing isolation, poverty and unemployment.
Investment in Keighley’s future
The redevelopment was supported by £164,000 from the Government-funded Keighley Towns Fund, administered by Bradford Council, alongside match funding from supporters.
An additional accessibility grant from Bradford Council helped fund the installation of the new lift, ensuring more people can use the expanded facilities.
KAWACC has supported generations of families in Keighley, providing a safe and welcoming environment alongside education, youth provision, mental health support and practical guidance.
Chief Executive Naz Kazmi, who has led the organisation since 2010, has a particularly personal connection to its work.
Her own mother previously used the centre, inspiring Naz to continue its longstanding commitment to supporting local women and families.
During her leadership, she has witnessed four generations of some families benefit from the organisation's services.
A new chapter for the community
Speaking about the completed expansion, Naz Kazmi said:
“This expansion is about hope, dignity and opportunity. Every single day we stand alongside women and families facing some of the toughest challenges imaginable. This new space will allow us to reach further, support deeper, and change even more lives.”
She also praised the centre's staff and trustees for their dedication and thanked the organisations and supporters who helped fund the redevelopment.
Bradford Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, Economy and Planning, Councillor Andrew Judson, welcomed the improvements.
He said:
“This incredible charity has delivered invaluable work across decades, and we are pleased that the Council has been able to support upgrading the facilities in this way, allowing them to reach more people.”
Tim Rogers, Chairman of the Keighley Towns Fund, also praised the organisation's contribution to the community and said the fund was proud to support the redevelopment.
With its new facilities now completed, KAWACC hopes to reach more people across Keighley's diverse communities, creating additional opportunities for education, skills development and personal wellbeing.
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