North Parade, Bradford, building to get new lease of life

Plans to convert much of Iqbal House, the former Pakistani Consulate on North Parade, were approved by Bradford Council late last year.

Iqbal House (Image: newsquest)

They follow a similar application that was approved in 2020, but never began.

Submitted by Z Iqbal, the application would see the ground floor of the unit retained for business use, with new office space created on the ground floor and upper basement area.

The upper floors of the building, which was originally called Church House, would be converted into 15 flats, including several duplex flats.

The inside of Iqbal House (Image: CRL architects)

The building was built in 1871 and is Grade II-listed. Bradford Council’s Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd said: “It dominates North Parade and as a result of its height it is quite difficult to fully appreciate the architectural grandeur of the building.”

But large sections of the building have been empty for years, and it is currently notable for the large amount of pigeons that congregate on its Gothic architecture.

Iqbal House on North Parade (Image: newsquest)

The planning application said: “The desirability of residential accommodation in the city centre is established and the proposals will support the Council's aim to bring 24/7 activity to the centre.”

Mr Ackroyd added: “The principles of the proposed uses do not conflict with the overall significance of the building and enable a new sustaining use to upper floors which are presently under-used.”