The iconic former Telegraph & Argus building in Bradford city centre will remain in commercial use as the newspaper moves out of its long term headquarters.

Earlier this year it was announced that the paper had sold the building, and was planning to move to a new headquarters off Rooley Lane.

Now it has been revealed that the building’s new owners are planning on retaining the commercial use of the building - and the T&A will be retaining a space in the Hall Ings building.

The Telegraph & Argus will this month move the bulk of its operation to two units off Rooley Lane - the Grade II listed Newhall building, a former clubhouse of West Bowling Golf Club that dates back to 1672, and a neighbouring unit in a nano park.

Both buildings are owned by Frank Marshall Estates.

The Hall Ings site - the Grade II listed main building and the striking glass former print hall, was purchased by a London based developer, and the plan is for the building to remain a key part of the city centre’s commercial offer.

Historic office move for T&A

The listed building will be retained as office space, aimed at up and coming businesses looking for a central Bradford site.

The loading bay area, accessed by Drake Street, will be marketed for light industrial businesses.

And the aim is for the press hall - one of the most recognisable buildings as you arrive in the city centre, to be taken on by a commercial business.

T&A will keep its extensive archive and library in a section of the Hall Ings building, as well as city centre space for reporters.

A planning application has now been submitted to Bradford Council for the glass press hall building.

It is for a new entrance canopy - creating access to the building from Hall Ings, and landscaping around that entrance, including the addition of benches.

Currently the entrance to the press hall is through the main T&A building. The application is to make the building more attractive to potential future occupiers.

Architect Tony Lupton of Beckwith Design is behind the designs.

Benjamin Goldberg, of Lewis and Tucker, said: “The application is to give more options. It could be taken on by a variety of different types of businesses. The new entrance will really open it up. it gives any potential tenant the opportunity for pedestrian access onto Hall Ings.

“The old building will be a hub for up and coming businesses and workshops. The glass building has the potential for so many different types of business - we hope to find someone who can see the potential.”

Work will be done to refurbish the main building’s Victorian exterior, and Mr Goldberg said they would be working closely with the Council.

He added: “We want it to remain a key part of Bradford. It is a really nice building and we hope it will help that side of the city centre."