A FORMER betting shop in Silsden could become a cocktail and wine bar, after plans to turn it into a restaurant fell through.

In 2020, an application to convert the former Betfred building on Kirkgate into a restaurant was approved by Bradford Council.

That application had been submitted just as the Covid 19 pandemic began, and the conversion never took place.

Now a new application for the art deco building has been submitted, this one calling for it to become a “high end” bar.

Submitted by Ben Gill, the application says: “The (previous) venture was never pursued, this is due to economic decline within the hospitality industry.

“The main thrust of the (new) business is to operate as a High End Wine/Cocktail Bar serving continental and international wines and exquisite cocktails.

“By promoting change on this part of Kirkgate, the proposal will serve to stimulate activity in this area to complement adjacent retail activity and promote early evening patronage in the area, which currently tends to close-down after 5pm.”

The Betfred branch shut in 2019, and the ground floor of the building has been empty since then.

A decision on the application is expected in August.