One of the most impressive mill buildings in Bradford could soon be restored to its former glory and become the hub of the community. again.

Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury, the chimney of which towers over the village, is home to several businesses, but much of the former textile factory remains empty.

But that could soon all change, with ambitious plans to turn the premises into a major draw with shops, a cafe, community hub and performance centre.

If all goes according to plan, the mill might soon be the new home of Bradford’s Peace Museum, allowing it to massively expand from its small city centre location.

The building dates back to 1835 and was run by John Foster and Sons. The company also sponsored the famous Black Dyke Band, one of the oldest and recognisable brass bands in the world.

Mill owner Paul Clark said he is committed to making it a major attraction for Bradford, and is working with several different groups to make the most of its impressive floorspace.

He said: “The mill is the centre of Queensbury, but it hasn’t really had a community presence for a while and I’m very keen to support that.

“I want to bring it back to its former glory.”

He hopes to clean and restore the mill’s brickwork, expose covered cobbles, repair damage and restore parts of the building that haven’t been used for decades.

One group involved in trying to reverse the fortunes of the mill is the Queensbury Heritage and Action Partnership, formed from various different community groups.

The group hopes to create a community base within the mill, that could provide a space for displays of the textile, transport and musical heritage of the village and a cafe for visitors.