An historic Saltaire tramshed which is set to be reborn as a bar and restaurant was today hailed as further evidence of the village's economic resurgence.

The Old Tramshed, at the Saltaire roundabout, is due to open for business on October 4 following a lengthy planning process and refurbishment costing well over £1 million.

It will be the latest prestigious restaurant to move to the area since the nearby village was awarded World Heritage Site status in December 2001.

Today Councillor David Ford (Green, Shipley West), who had originally voiced concern about the conversion of the listed building, said he welcomed the development.

He said it would add to the burgeoning restaurant culture in Saltaire and Shipley and would be an asset to residents and visitors alike.

A new Thai restaurant is also expected to open soon in Saltaire Road.

"We did originally have concerns about aspects of the development, but we have now held talks with the owner and we are happy they have been resolved," he said. "I have always believed that Saltaire has great potential for the development of facilities such as this.

"It will bring an evening and night-time culture to the area which every city or town desperately needs. It has to be welcomed as long as we can keep a handle on the impact it has on local residents."

Old Tramshed owner David Heap, who bought the site about 12 months ago, said Saltaire was an ideal location, after considering locations around the county.

He has also transformed neighbouring Jimmy G's children's play facility which has been extended to include a nursery and creche.

Mr Heap has recruited Alan Hill as executive chef from the famous Box Tree restaurant in Ilkley and award-winning Mark Ball as head chef.

Mr Heap is confident the Old Tramshed, which will specialise in traditional-style English food, will become one of the finest restaurants in West Yorkshire, seating almost 150 customers.

"I have had a great passion for food and I have been looking for a long time for a place where I could make this passion become reality," he said. "This is a wonderful, wonderful location with 20,000 cars a day passing over the roundabout. It is a dream come true for us."

Mr Heap said he had been encouraged by the success of a number of nearby restaurants and said the business had carried out extensive research into the local market.

"We are as confident as we can be," he said. "We have done extensive surveys and they have shown that the clientele within five to ten miles of the site is perfect for us."