A BLOCK of student flats in Bradford city centre could soon also become a budget hotel after the owners struggled to fill it.

Six storey Sunbridge Halls in Sunbridge Road has 113 studio flats that have been marketed to students since last January.

But its owner Trivelles Hotels and Resorts has revealed it has not been able to attract the number of students needed to make the venture profitable.

Formally known as Joseph Brennan House, the building has previously been used by the NHS and Provident, but was re-branded when the flats plan was approved in 2012.

Essex-based Trivelles has now submitted plans to Bradford Council to change the use of the three storeys of the building to a guest house in an attempt to improve the building's viability.

The company believes that the city centre's regeneration means hotel spaces would prove a success.

The plans will see 57 of the flats remain for use by students and 56 becoming guest rooms.

The application says: "It has not been possible to achieve the anticipated levels of occupancy necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the property.

"Considering the room arrangement and relative proximity of the property to the heart of Bradford and the evident regeneration of the city centre, the company has evidence the property could reasonably be operated as a budget hotel or guest house."

The hotel would operate on the ground, fourth and fifth floors, with student accommodation remaining on the first, second and third floors. There will be no modifications to the building and the number of parking spaces will increase from eight to 12.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, executive for regeneration on Bradford Council, said: "We're seeing an increasing number of planning applications going in for the city centre which has to be good news.

"Cities are constantly evolving to reflect our changing lifestyles so it's good that the owners of these buildings are actively managing their properties to make sure they continue to be relevant."

The development made the news in 2013, when a brochure advertising the student flats to investors described them as being “on the doorstep of Salford Quays”.

It added: "Bradford has a feel associated with the London Docklands; luxury, professionalism and exclusivity.

A decision on the application will be made in early April.

MORE TOP STORIES