Planning approval has been granted for the second phase of the Lister Mills redevelopment scheme which includes a unique roof-top development incorporating a dramatic eye-catching design.

The aptly-named Velvet Mill' project will include 24 duplex apartments, transforming this landmark building by adding another 170 apartments ranging from one to three-bedroom properties.

The contemporary roof structure will be made of steel with glass sliding doors and timber decking which will all be constructed off site and be hoisted into place when ready.

This construction is set to follow in the footsteps of the mill's founder, Samuel Lister, by challenging traditional design and using new and innovative building methods.

The design has been inspired by yarns of silk, which were produced by the mill in the 1800s when it was the largest industrial powerhouse in Europe.

Architect David Morley said: "Working within the constraints of the mill, and with the creativity of Urban Splash has proved to be very exciting and produced interesting results.

"Instead of trying to closely match the new with the old, we have used bold new interventions to design something that reflects the ambition of Bradford and expresses the new life being given to this building."

So far Urban Splash has developed the Silk Warehouse made up of 131 apartments which is part of a £100 million investment into the site over ten years.

And work is expected to start on community space for the Manningham Mills Community Association which will be a mix of office space, creche, caf bar and IT facilities.

Simon Gawthorpe, managing director at Urban Splash Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted with the news that the Velvet Mill has received planning. This announcement is a fantastic endorsement for Bradford's regeneration as a whole and we will be working hard to ensure Velvet Mill meets the expectations of our potential buyers and the local community."

The public sales launch of Velvet Mill will take place later this year and the developers are hoping that the unusual and unique design will generate even greater interest.

Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration, said: "Lister Mills is an iconic development and a real symbol of Bradford's renaissance. The second phase will bring more high quality urban living to the city. Such developments are crucial for making Bradford into a desirable place in which to live, work and enjoy."

e-mail: sunita.bhatti@bradford.newsquest.co.uk