It's a des res' for telly addicts, with panoramic views of the biggest TV screen in the city.

A £5 million apartment block built on the site of The Empress pub in Bradford overlooks the giant screen in Centenary Square, beaming larger-than-life images into private living rooms.

The 41-flat complex on Sunbridge Road, which includes a retail outlet and underground parking, opens for public viewing this week. It has taken 18 months to build and completion is due for early July.

Owner Atlas Develop-ments, of Horsforth, bought The Empress in 1997 and ran it as a pub for five years before deciding to demolish it and build apartments. The block is called The Empress, after the pub.

Each apartment in the eight-storey block has a balcony or terrace and some overlook Centenary Square, with panoramic views of the city centre and landmark buildings like City Hall, the Alhambra and the National Media Museum.

Full-length windows and patio doors leading from the bedrooms and lounges offer a clear view of the big screen, which shows rolling news and sports. Live link-ups from the Royal Opera House, London will be shown this summer, with broadcasts of Swan Lake, Don Giovanni and Tosca.

"You don't need to turn your TV on - you could just sit on your balcony, or in your lounge, looking out onto the giant screen," said Peter Roberts, co-director of Atlas Developments with John Burkitt. "It's the best TV view in the city."

The flats also look out onto the city centre statue of Queen Victoria - after whom The Empress pub was named.

"The Park in the Heart scheme will make the view even more attractive," said Mr Roberts. "The Sunbridge Road view, from the top floor, looks out onto the rooftops of a square of Victorian houses. You get a different perspective of Bradford's heritage from up there."

Mr Roberts said there had been interest in the retail outlet, which could become a convenience store or a bar.

"There has been a lot of interest in the development," he said. "People are attracted to the location and the high quality of the apartments.

"City centre living has really taken off in Bradford. When we were running the pub it became clear this was the way forward."

Prices range from £129,950 to £205,950 for the one and two-bedroom apartments.

l The show apartment is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10.15am to 5pm. For more information ring (01274) 739602 or (0113) 230 6091.

e-mail: emma.clayton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here