A historian who has dedicated five years to preserving a former technical school in Bingley says he is delighted the building could be given back to the community.

Head teacher turned local historian Allan Mirfield took an interest in the former Bingley Technical School, in Mornington Road, when it became empty in 2002 after 113 years of service.

Mr Mirfield, former head teacher of Priesthorpe Primary School, opposite the building, has lobbied Bradford Council to return the building to its former glory.

The Council said it was in talks with the organisations to explore bringing the building back into use for the community.

Mr Mirfield, of Grange Road, Eldwick, said: “The reason I have campaigned for it is because it’s one of the most iconic buildings in Bingley. It has a great relevance to the industrial development of Bingley and the training required for the textile, engineering and joinery businesses to carry on.”

Mr Mirfield uncovered records at the National Archive in London on the origins, building, funding, function and management of the technical school from 1872 to 1947.

The building was one of two projects, along with Bingley Cottage Hospital, planned to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

In October, 1888, a gathering saw the foundation stone of the school laid by mill-owner and philanthropist Alfred Sharpe. He gave £1,000 to start the school project and bought the site in Mornington Road.

The opening ceremony took place in 1889. It was stressed the school would develop the education and skills of industry to keep Britain ahead of competition from continental Europe. In 2002, the school became obsolete and empty.

Mr Mirfield said the building was boarded up and vandalised. Last year the roof was damaged.

He believes the building deserves a blue historic-marker plaque. He wants to carry on his research by speaking to people who attended courses at the school.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We are exploring the feasibility of bringing the former Priesthorpe Annexe at Mornington Road back into use and are in talks with the voluntary sector and non-profit organisations. Discussions are at a very early stage but it is our hope that a viable use providing services to the community can be found for the building.”