A BUILDING which has stood empty in the heart of Bradford city centre for some time could be revived if plans are approved.

An application has been submitted for 61 to 65 Kirkgate, next to McDonald’s, to divide it into three units and create nine one-bedroom flats on the first and second floors.

There would also be shopfront works, a balcony and additional windows to the upper floors.

The building used to be occupied by the Halifax bank and later a clothes shop, but has seen “little interest” in the time it has been empty.

The application details how the plan could improve the street, which has seen several shops and retailers open, close and move on over the years.

A document lodged as part of the proposal, submitted by Aiman Hamayel, says: “The building has been empty for some time with little interest shown in it.

“The application seeks approval to bring a prominent building on Kirkgate back into use.

“An approval for the application will upkeep the street scene and prevent further deterioration of the structure.

“The demand for larger commercial has dropped within the BD1 postcode over many years.

“Creating smaller units will allow niche and smaller-scaled businesses to open and trade.

“The creation of one-bedroom flats will allow for city centre living for potential occupants.

“Given the size and layout of the flats, these will be finished to a high standard and specification.”

It adds: “61-65 Kirkgate is a twentieth-century building which is located with the city centre conservation area and is not listed.

“The application seeks improvement on the façade by means of new fenestration and shopfront.

“The building is thought to make a neutral contribution within the conservation area, with the proposal making no significant impact on the character on the area.”

The application adds: “The intention is for this area to become a vibrant mix of national and locally operated retail/restaurant/café/take-away uses to the ground floor levels, and residential to the upper floors (a mixture of residential types and groups).

“This will enable redundant upper floor spaces to be brought back into active use and helps to create a self-sustaining local community.”

The application says the scheme has been developed to “ensure good design” and the commercial use and flats “will ensure the continued use of the building whilst offering employment opportunities for the locality”.

A determination deadline for the application has been set for June 28.

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