A LONG empty city centre unit can be converted into a new bar/cafe after new plans were approved by Bradford Council.

Steve Le Shaw, the owner of Al’s Juke Bar on Darley Street, submitted plans to convert the neighbouring Grade II listed empty unit on Duke Street into a cafe and bar last month.

The plans, which will also allow the unit to operate as an off licence, have now been approved by Bradford Council.

The application had said the Mr Le Shaw would “invest substantially with a refurbishment and internal alteration of the property” and that the new business could attract more footfall to an area of the city that has suffered from numerous shop closures in recent years.

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Approving the application this week, planning officers said: “The building has been vacant for approximately five years. As such, the building is in need of a sustainable use that would ensure its future maintenance rather than fall into disrepair.

“The proposed change of use would facilitate the creation of jobs and support business within the town centre.”

Earlier this month a new business, craft store The Old Wooden Box, opened in a unit on Duke Street next to the future cafe/bar.