A PROMINENT city centre office block could soon be re-developed to become 161 studio apartments.

The City Exchange, next to the NCP car park on Hall Ings, has been on the market as office space since it was vacated in February 2013.

It had previously been used by several departments of Bradford Council.

Leeds Road-based Beckwith Estates has now submitted a planning application to the local authority to change the use of the seven storey building into a residential development.

Its application says the development would have a reduced highways impact because it was a "city centre location with good access points."

"[The] building is well connected and in proximity to both train and bus station," it adds.

If approved, the application would be the latest in a number of city centre apartments created from empty office or mill buildings.

Bradford Council Leader Councillor David Green said: "As a Council we have always said we wanted more people living in our city centre and we have looked at the future of all our buildings.

"What we are keen on is that any residential development creates a stable community, rather than a transient one. We will be in conversation with developers to see what we can do to make sure that any residential development reflects the plans we have for the city centre and provides the stability that we need to build the re-generation of the city."

Cllr Green said the loss of the City Exchange office space would not be damaging to the city centre, especially as there were plans for a major development of three office blocks on the site of the former Tyrls police station in City Park.

He added: "We need to make sure we have a mix in the city centre of residential, commercial retail and leisure."

Last year plans to turn former Cuncil offices at Olicana House in Little Germany into 138 apartments were given the go ahead.

The Council's Highways department has already supported the City Exchange application, pointing out that the site is close to the Bradford Interchange and that residents would not be reliant on cars.

Its response to the application says: "There are ample on and off street parking facilities available nearby. The proposal is likely to reduce parking demand during the day compared to existing office use."

Bradford Council is expected to decide on the application early next month.

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