BRADFORD Council says it will investigate “immediately” after modern shop signage was installed on one of West Yorkshire’s most significant buildings.

In recent days, one of the shop units in the Grade I listed Wool Exchange has been covered with a bright red frontage for a new store called The Red Shop.

The Victorian frontage has been covered with modern signage displaying produces including vapes, bread and energy drinks.

On the new frontage, one councillor said: “It’s not a great look at all for a Grade I listed building.”

The shop frontage was heavily criticised on social media after being installed, with many people questioning how the signage was allowed on one of Bradford’s finest buildings.

The Council says it will take “enforcement action if necessary.”

However, the shop manager has said he did not realise he needed permission for the new signage.

Grade I is the highest listing that can be given to a building – awarded by Historic England to buildings of “the highest significance.”

The Wool Exchange was designed by Bradford architects Lockwood & Mawson and opened in 1867.

Describing the building, Bradford Council Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd has said: “It is synonymous with the importance of the textile trade to Bradford and its grandeur and presence illustrate the wealth and importance of textiles in 19th century Bradford.

“Its listing confirms that it is of national significance.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “This has recently been brought to our attention and we will be investigating the matter immediately. The Wool Exchange is a significant Listed Building in the City Centre Conservation Area and appropriate enforcement action will be taken as necessary.”

A Historic England spokesperson said: “The Grade I listed Wool Exchange is one of Bradford’s most important and much-loved buildings. We understand that the shop frontage was installed without consent and so we have not been consulted. Bradford Council would be responsible for investigating the matter.”

Councillor Si Cunningham said: “Obviously it’s not a great look at all for a Grade one listed building so I hope it gets sorted swiftly.

“A lot of people are working very hard to smarten up the city in time for 2025, and promoting good design that is sympathetic to our built environment is a really important part of that.

“I’m very hopeful that as more investment comes into BD1 we’ll be in a much better position to work with national partners on enhancing the city’s heritage.”

On Monday, the manager of the store told the T&A that he had not realised he would need special permission to install the signage, and would contact the Council tomorrow.

A friend speaking on his behalf said he had taken on the business in late September, but the lack of signage meant few people visited the store.

Since the new signage was installed late last week, they have had many more customers - he added.