A BUSINESS leader working to boost Bradford's night-time economy has welcomed plans for two new bars as "fantastic news."

Bradford Breakthrough chairman Trevor Higgins said the conversion a former nightclub, on Great Horton Road, was just the sort of project needed to help keep people in the city centre on an evening.

The group, which brings together 32 of the city’s private and public sector organisations, has been encouraging a mix of restaurants to open in the city and offering tours to perspective investors.

Dr Higgins said Bradford Council's approval of plans for the BrewHaus and Beer Keller, in the Windsor Baths building, was to be supported in a city which was on the cusp of change.

"I think it's fantastic news," he said.

"I think all of this activity that's happening is superb. We're getting to this stage where we're really beginning to see a take-up."

Bradford Breakthrough sees the development of the city's nightlife as vital to its regeneration alongside projects such at the under-development Broadway shopping centre.

"We need to get a mixed offering in Bradford and we need to make sure that when Westfield closes its doors on a night that's not the end of the activity and there's plenty to keep people in the city," Dr Higgins said.

Aaron Mellor's plans for the conversion of the vacant unit - formerly Varsity and then Envy and Sky Bar - include a roof terrace garden with seating for 60 people, two new doors, the blocking up of three windows and a lighting scheme.

The bars will be next to the Alhambra Theatre and in the same complex as Wetherspoon’s, Flares and Tokyo nightclub.

Although the building, which was built at the start of the 20th century to accommodate the central municipal baths and Queens Hall, is not listed, it is considered key in the City Centre conservation area.

"Personally, I'm really chuffed," Dr Higgins said.

"It's not until people really start using the city at night that we can really take advantage of some of the investment that's going on."

The Telegraph & Argus could not contact Mr Mellor for comment.