A LONG empty unit in one of Bradford’s most iconic buildings will soon become an Asian bridalwear boutique.

Eastbrook Hall on Leeds Road dates back to 1904 - and is one of the city centre’s most striking buildings.

The Grade II listed former methodist chapel was converted into apartments, office space and two ground floor retail units.

The redevelopment was opened by Prince Charles in 2008.

But one of the retail units in the building has never been occupied.

Now it has been revealed that a luxury Asian bridal wear boutique will be opening in the empty unit.

Huma Humad, which is being supported by Bradford Council’s business growth scheme, will stock “high quality and cutting edge Asian bridal wear collections.”

£1.3m investment plan for Bradford will create 20 jobs

A £16,500 grant from Bradford Council will assist the business to create three new jobs and bring the listed historic building in the Little Germany conservation area back into use.

Inspiration for the garments will be drawn from Asian heritage “with traditional Pakistani culture infused into modern luxury garments.”

The business’ VIP package will offer a made to measure service in a private consultation room within the boutique

Work is currently underway at unit, with the luxury boutique’s opening planned for mid-April.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport on Bradford Council, said: “We are very pleased to see yet another high end business open in Bradford making use of our grants which are boosting employment and bringing vacant properties back into use.

“Our growth schemes have been very successful having helped local businesses create hundreds of new jobs.”

Entrepreneur, Hummad Ilyas, the man behind the business, said: “We are delighted to be opening our luxury bridal wear boutique in Bradford and we are very pleased with the business development support Bradford Council has given us.

“We believe the city is a great place to do business and we are very optimistic about our company’s future.”

The new business’ opening hours will be 12-8pm Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday, and 11am-5pm Sunday.

It is the latest in a number of city centre businesses to be provided support through the scheme.

Other businesses to receive recent support Blooms, a florist that is soon to open in another landmark building, the Wool Exchange, Remy International wine bar on Broadway, Time Trapped, and escape room that is soon to open in a long empty office building on Hustlergate, Geek Retreat at Bank Street, Nightrain Bar and live music venue on Queensgate, Rabbit Hole in Westgate and Tiffin Coffee Grande at Charles Street.

The City Centre and District Growth schemes provide businesses with financial incentives to invest, expand, create new jobs and bring empty and heritage buildings back into use.

A Council spokesman added: “ The council believes that during the current period of huge change in the retail sector, independent businesses are vital to the future success of the city centre, providing unique and distinctive offers.”