Historic Little Germany could soon rock to the sound of live bands, African drums or even tribal music if the new owners of an imposing listed building get the go- ahead to redevelop it.

But the move by a Rawdon couple to transform the College Works building into a 24-hour media and entertainment centre has sparked protest in the former merchants' quarter, which has been designated one of Britain's first urban villages.

Today Graham Higgins, who has bought the building in Upper Parkgate, admitted: "It isn't going to be an old ladies' tea shop.

"There will be times when it will be rocking like a night club. There might even be African drums or tribal dance music if people want it.

"But people have a right to enjoy themselves and I think it's a fantastic building in a perfect place."

But Russell Thomson, whose company Eclipse, is based in nearby Burnett Street has put in a strong objection to Mr Higgins' application for a daily entertainment licence from 10am to 6am.

He told members of the Council's licensing panel, who will consider the application next Wednesday, of past damage when licence extensions were granted in Little Germany.

Mr Thomson says there is also a health and safety risk because of the narrow streets.

But two housing developers of historic buildings welcomed it as a bid to breathe new life into Little Germany.

Peter Connelly, who is transforming Silens Works in Peckover Street, said: "The more life in Little Germany the better."

Kenneth Morton, director of Landmark Development Pro-jects, which expects to start work soon converting imposing Treadwells Mills into homes, said as long as planning controls were in place it would help regeneration.

Mr Higgins, proprietor of a company which makes metal furniture, said it would cost about £150,000 to alter the building, which was last used as a wholesale distribution centre and has been empty for about 15 years.

He said the space would be let for functions, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, films and a recording studio.

Mr Higgins said: "There's nothing like it in Bradford or Leeds and I would hope to see people coming from all over Yorkshire."

He said any bar managers employed would have gained experience in pubs and he would join the city's Drug Watch scheme.

If his entertainment licence is granted Mr Higgins will submit a planning application to Bradford Council and apply for a liquor licence from magistrates.