A former fire station – which has been plagued by vandalism since it closed six years ago – could be sold to become an “educational facility”.

Fire chiefs have confirmed an agreement is in place to sell the derelict Bradford fire station in Nelson Street if planning permission could be secured for an education scheme – but would not reveal the identity of the potential buyer.

The 40-year-old building has fallen into a state of disrepair and has been targeted by vandals and firebugs since it closed in 2006 to make way for a new £4 million fire station in Leeds Road.

Thornton and Allerton Councillor Valerie Binney, a member of West Yorkshire Fire Authority, said she was pleased the site would no longer be an “eyesore”.

She added: “When buildings stand empty like this they become a target for vandals and people breaking in and starting fires to keep warm.

“The building’s been boarded up for six years and had become an eyesore, and when that happens it can stop regeneration. It’s fantastic it’s now been sold for an educational facility and will benefit children in the area.

“It’s taken longer than we had hoped, but it’s great to see something is finally happening.”

Members of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority’s finance and resources’ committee approved the sale of the site, subject to officers consulting with Bradford Council, during a private meeting earlier this year.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We have sold the land, subject to planning permission being granted. We can’t say much at the moment, but the site will be used for some kind of educational use.”

The authority has previously blamed a “decline in property market conditions” and a “lack of interest by owners of neighbouring sites for a joint development plan” for delaying its sale.

In 2009, the site was mooted as a potential site for a new £25 million city centre swimming pool. It has also been used as filming location for BBC1 show Spooks.

A Bradford Council spokesman said it had yet to receive a planning application for any scheme at the site and was not able to comment on its future.