PLANS to transform Keighley’s former Motorworld shop into a restaurant have been welcomed by a district councillor.

Councillor Zafar Ali, last year’s Lord Mayor of Bradford, believes a restaurant on the East Parade site will help revitalise a “derelict” part of town.

The stand-alone three-storey building - which is opposite the junction with Coney Lane - was most recently a furniture shop, but is now vacant.

Bradford Council recently granted the owners planning permission to build a restaurant with dining and toilets on the first floor, kitchen and waiting area on the ground floor, and a new single-storey extension to the rear.

Fears that Keighley shopping centre site could become 'new Broadway'

Signage in the windows says a Mahmood’s restaurant will open this autumn.

The building is opposite the East Parade site earmarked for the Worth Valley Retail Park, which has been derelict for several years.

Cllr Ali said: “I welcome a restaurant because it will bring more jobs to Keighley, and it will enhance an area that looks like derelict space at the moment.

“It won’t cause a traffic nuisance because most of the traffic will be in the evening, and the premises has a car park.”