PART of a vacant town centre bank could be converted into housing if new plans are approved.

The former Shipley Barclays building, on the corner of Otley Road and Kirkgate, shut in 2021, and the grand banking hall has remained empty ever since.

In December the prominent property sold at auction to an undisclosed buyer for £280,000.

Now a planning application has been submitted to Bradford Council to convert the first floor of the property from office space associated with the former bank to three flats.

The application by Abassi Property LTD does not give any details of what the plans are for the ground floor of the building.

The plans say: “The conversion will be done to the high standard that befits the original fabric of the building, with the end result being a modern and high quality trio of flats that will add to Shipley’s housing provision.

“The proposal will be an excellent example of a high quality conversion to flats, with a focus on contemporary architecture and sensitivity to the existing building.”

A decision on the application is expected later this month.