PLANS to turn an empty city centre hairdressers into the entrance to an ambitious development of shops, bars and restaurants have the support of conservation officers.

The former Tangles salon at 38 Sunbridge Road will become the entrance to the Sunbridge Wells development, part of which is underground in Victorian tunnels, and a small shop.

With the building being in a city centre conservation area, the changes need approval from Bradford Council, and although a decision will not be made on the new shopfront plans until next month, conservation officer Jon Ackroyd has lent support to the scheme.

He said: "The existing shopfront is of no merit. Although the formation of a passageway leading to the rear atrium space will contrast with the consistent street-facing shopfronts, this is not considered to be harmful to the building or the conservation area. The detailing of the proposed shopfronts is considered acceptable."

The new shopfront will provide access to bars in the rear part of 39 Ivegate as well as leading to the lower level shops in the atrium of the development. The plans will also see the first floor of 38 and 40 Sunbridge Road converted into a bar.

Sunbridge Wells is expected to open in March.