Once known as the Cathedral of the North, it stood for more than a century as a proud symbol of Victorian architectural glory at the entrance to Bradford's city centre.

Eastbrook Hall - now being converted into swish city centre apartments - is the most prominent building in the Little Germany conservation area, a cluster of listed buildings constructed between 1855 and 1890 during the peak of Bradford's textile industry.

The former Methodist chapel, which incorporates a mixture of Jacobean and Renaissance features, has long been close to the hearts of Bradford people, not only for its imposing appearance but for its former use as a meeting place up to the 1970s.

But after the hall was closed in the early 1980s and later devastated by fire in 1996 it sank into decline, standing empty and weed-choked, a crumbling symbol of Bradford's former grandeur.

The sound of chapel choirs singing was replaced by the dripping of rainwater and the coo-ing of nesting pigeons.

Then Aldersgate Estates Limited breathed new life into the landmark property, beginning the ambitious process of converting it into 73 apartments and commercial units. The hall, a cherished part of Bradford's history which attracted crowds of worshippers and community groups in its heyday, will again be occupied - this time by city dwellers.

The restoration is seen as a crucial part of the ongoing process of restoring Little Germany to its former glory, attracting residential and commercial interest to its historic buildings.

Funding for the project is through a public-private sector funding agreement involving English Partnerships - the national regeneration agency - Bradford Centre Regeneration, Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward and Regen 2000.

The impressive Victorian facade of the Grade II listed hall had to be taken down stone by stone last year after it became unstable. All the stones were numbered as they were dismantled and, over coming weeks, they will be re-assembled in a task that amounts to Bradford's biggest jigsaw puzzle.

Specialist stonemasons have begun the meticulous restoration of the facade stone by stone, and the work is expected to be completed by the end of summer. Following the re-building of the Leeds Road wall, the facade will be completed when the cupola - an ornate domed structure - is returned.

Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration, describes the painstaking work as "an outstanding restoration project".

"Eastbrook Hall is one of Bradford's great iconic buildings. It has played a significant role in Bradford's past and will be an integral part of the city's future," she says. "The completed restoration ensures this beautiful building will deservedly be a landmark in the city centre's regeneration."

Tony Marsh, director of Aldersgate Estates, adds: "Since acquiring this building in 1997, we have been acutely aware of its place in the consciousness of the people of Bradford and the onus that imposes to achieve a sensitive scheme for restoring it to practical use."

Aldersgate Estates' collection of 73 one and two bedroom apartments is located in a courtyard setting. The apartments, built with timber double glazed windows and electric panel heating, blend original historic features of the property with stylish contemporary furnishings.

The show apartment, on the ground floor, has a spacious open plan fitted kitchen, dining area and lounge. It is light and airy, with light pouring in from large windows onto soft cream walls, matching kitchen units and timber laminate flooring. The units are chic and fuss-free, with granite-look work surfaces and integrated appliances. Spotlighting in the ceiling adds to the stylish, contemporary ambience.

Both bedrooms are spacious, with a double bed in each, and the master bedroom, complete with en-suite bathroom, has an inviting-looking window seat cut through the thick stone of the building.

The show apartment, at the rear of the development on Chapel Street, can be viewed between 10am and 4pm on Saturdays and from 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

The apartments are priced from £80,000 to £170,000. For enquiries ring (01274) 304111, e-mail asghar@smartmovesgroup.com or visit www.eastbrookhall.com.

FACTFILE

When it opened in September 1825 the former Methodist chapel was declared one of the handsomest buildings in Bradford'.

After the demise of the original chapel the Rev John Wilson held evening services in St George's Hall until 1904 when, at a cost of £40,000, the new Methodist hall was opened, with crowds lining the streets waiting to get in.

More than 100,000 people lived within a short walk of the hall, which could seat 2,200. It was often packed for meetings addressed by some of the country's best known Methodist speakers.

But the hall was more than the centre of Methodist worship in the city; it was also the focus of Bradford life, with charitable works, a soup kitchen for the poor, coal and grocery tickets, evening meetings and concerts and a Sunday school all based in the building. Membership of the Eastbrook Brotherhood and Sisterhood often topped 4,000.

The Saturday night concerts were particularly popular and music groups such as Bradford Old Choral Society moved there. Top orchestral conductor Sir Malcolm Sergeant enjoyed performing in the hall.

In 1969 Eastbrook Hall underwent extensive modernisation costing more than £90,000. More than 1,000 people flocked to the rededication ceremony but five years later dry rot was discovered in the shop and warehouse facing Leeds Road. Faced with a huge bill, the Methodist Mission tried to find ways to continue its presence in Bradford with plans to keep the facade and replace the Octagon Hall with a smaller venue, or to level the entire site and build 151 homes.

Plans came and went but nothing was done and in September 1986 the doors closed. The famous Oliver Knapton Memorial organ, made in 1845, was moved to the Wesley Methodist Church in Cambridge.