A HERITAGE building in Dewsbury has been restored to its former glory and is now home to a modern burger restaurant.

Bailey’s café has been turned into a colourful burger restaurant with the help of Heritage Lottery fund and Dewsbury Regeneration Project.

Emojies, completes the eight-year project, which involved the restoration of nine heritage buildings.

The Heritage Lottery Fund, and Kirklees Council have invested an overall £3.7million with £2.1million from the council.

The new restaurant is owned by Dewsbury businessman and restaurateur Mr Imran Ahmed.

Mr Ahmed has individually contributed to the lavishly fitted interior giving the building a new lease of life.

The industrial twist on the design and the fashionable interior makes Emojies an addition to Dewsbury’s foodie hotspots list.

On the Emojies project, funds have been spent on substantial structural reinforcement to ensure the building’s long-term survival.

The ground floor has received a vast amount of concrete treatment, whilst the windows have been restored to their original like for like design.

The original tiles on the outside have mixed with modern tiling to give a fresh and contemporary look which is in keeping with the art deco style of the building.

Additionally, some of the building's original features such as parts of the steel framing have been exposed.

The project now has a terraced area at the back of the building. The roof, one of the key areas for restoration, has been completely replaced.

The restaurant will offer diners a crowd-pleasing menu of burgers, chicken, and fish along with desserts, smoothies, and milkshakes.

As a result of this expansion, Emojies has created new job opportunities which are vital for the community and economic growth of Dewsbury town centre.

Councillor Eric Firth visited the restaurant to have a tour and share his thoughts on the new eatery.

Councillor Eric Firth, Cabinet Member for Town Centres said:

“Through working with business owners like Mr Ahmed, we can make a real difference to our town centres.

“I am pleased to see how this new, modern restaurant has breathed life back into one of the town’s heritage buildings. 

“Thriving businesses are key to the economic recovery of our towns and villages.

“Helping to bring historic buildings back into use and restoring architectural features not only honours the past but takes us into a brighter future.

"Emojies restaurant will make the town centre a more attractive place to live, work and invest during what we know has been a challenging time for traders.”