AN historic Guiseley building will be given a new lease of life, if a £2.5 million leisure and

residential scheme is given the go-ahead.

The planned restoration of the former Leeds City Tramways depot in Otley Road will create up to 50 new jobs, with current users Arnold Laver DIY and Builder's Merchants relocating to a new Call Collect depot to be created in the vicinity.

Under the ambitious scheme, the two storey grade two listed building will be restored to feature a 27,000 sq ft Cannons Health Club and 20 high quality apartments.

Facilities at the family health club will include a 20 metres swimming pool, spa, steam room and sauna, hi-tech gym, two dance studios, a treatment room, creche, lounge and bar and dedicated car parking.

The original parts of the building, constructed in 1914, will be retained and enhanced in a bid to give the club and apartments an impressive look.

Mark Bower, director and company secretary with the Arnold Laver Group, said: "This is a major development for Guiseley and Arnold Laver, and we are bringing a quality health and leisure operator into the area.

"Arnold Laver staff will move to a newly-created Call Collect depot which we plan to develop in the area. It is anticipated that the 50 new jobs created by the mixed leisure and residential scheme will be taken up by local people, which is good news for Aireborough.

"The restoration will make excellent use of this important building and will deliver significant environmental and social benefits to Guiseley and the surrounding area."

Mr Bower said that under the proposals, he felt that the

structure of the building will be preserved and its setting greatly improved.

He added: "The building currently does not make the most of its historical and architectural potential. In conservation terms, the proposed use is viable, sustainable and beneficial."

The residential part of the conversion will provide, on two floors, three one-bedroom apartments and 16 two-bedroom apartments. There will be separate access to each part of the development and car parking will be segregated for residents and health facility users.

Laver's have drawn up the plans for the former Tramways building with leisure specialists Cannon Health and Fitness, which currently operates 40 clubs across Britain and Europe.

The original building was designed by architect Sydney Kitson, a major influence on commercial and domestic architecture in Leeds at the turn of the last century.

A full planning application and listed building application has been submitted to Leeds City Council for approval.