AN empty unit on one of Bradford’s main shopping streets could be converted into student flats if new plans are approved.

The former Halifax building on pedestrianised Kirkgate, and opposite the Kirkgate Shopping Centre has been empty and up for sale for several years, with little interest from any buyers.

Submitted by the building’s owners Stanthorne Ltd, a new planning application calls for the building to be divided, with the first and second floors converted to 16 en suite student flats, with shared kitchen/dining spaces and a laundry room, and the ground floor turned into access for the flats and a smaller unit.

The application says the intention is for this ground floor unit to be either a shop, cafe or service use.

Stanthorpe says the group bought the shop as part a portfolio of vacant bank units following the closures or relocations of Halifax and RBS banks. The intention was to either sell on/let the unit to new operators immediately or refurbish the unit to attract new tenants.

However the company says they have struggled to find any buyers for the 518 square metre unit. The application says: “There has been little interest in the space due to the size of the ground floor demise in this location, availability of other units in this area, and the size of the upper floor accommodation.”

Last summer the building was put up for auction with a guide price of between £350,000 and £375,000, but it failed to sell and the building has remained vacant.

The application adds: “From Stanthorne’s own considerable experience, and from the advice of their marketing agents, they realised that they needed to explore alternative options for this building in order to realise the potential within the property.

“The proximity to employment opportunities ideal for student workers, and the local higher education institutions make this an ideal site for student accommodation.

“This development will provide sought after modern small-sized commercial space and student accommodation in a popular and vibrant area.

“It will help to maintain, protect and enhance the existing building, by bringing into active use the upper floors of the property.”

The application says there will be minimal changes to the building’s exterior.

Val Summerscales, of the Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: “This is a main shopping street, so providing the ground floor remains as either a shop or a service industry then I don’t have too much of a problem with this.

“It is no different than a lot of other shops in the city centre that have had their upper floors converted and people living above them. It is just the fact that this is on one of the main shopping streets that sets this out.

“We would get more people living in the city centre, meaning more people using the centre’s shops and services.”

A decision on the application is expected next month.