PLANS to restore a huge, derelict Bradford building look to finally be back on track.

Stephenson’s Building on Listerhills Road was once earmarked for a major regeneration as part of the Listerhills Village plan - a £90 million scheme that would have seen the area transformed into a mix of shops, offices, student housing, a shop and medical facilities.

But over 14 years after that plan was unveiled, the building remains derelict, with much of its roof having collapsed.

The building, a short distance from the University of Bradford, was once the headquarters for Stephenson Brothers Ltd soap manufacturers.

Under the Listerhills Village plans, the building would have been converted into student housing.

Now a new plan for the site has been submitted to Bradford Council by Rochdale based H M Properties.

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A variation of the plans that were approved well over a decade ago, this application will also see the building converted into over 120 flats. It says: “At present, and for many years this building and associated land have presented a sorry spectacle on a prominent site that fronts one of the major accesses into the City Centre. With a permission in place for the revised drawings this situation will change dramatically for the better.

“It is understood that the Council’s Social Services Department have an interest in taking three floors, lower ground, ground and first floors to house many people in the 15-19 age group who are in need of managed accommodation. The remaining apartments will be offered on the open market.

“As can be seen from the drawings, this proposal not only offers regeneration and a very significant yield of residential units but will provide for a statement building on a key site. Progressing this building to completion can also act as a catalyst for further interest and investment in the Goitside Neighbourhood.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “As this plan is in its very early stages it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.”

Si Cunningham, Chair of Bradford Civic Society, said: “We’d all be pleased to see this rather sorry looking warehouse given a new lease of life, given that many of the old buildings in Goitside have been empty and somewhat dangerous for many years. I note the potential for some of the site to be used by the Council’s Children’s Service Department, which sounds like a much-needed facility for the most vulnerable young people of our city will be created too.”

A decision on whether to allow the amendments to the original plan will be made in the New Year.