Plans to create Fountains Church, a new worship space in a former Bradford city centre nightclub, have been approved.
The building - next to the Alhambra and the Bradford Cenotaph, was the home of once popular evening venues including Revolution, Tequila and Vibe and is within the City Centre Conservation Area.
A planning application was submitted to Bradford Council to change the use of the building, which has been hit by vandals since the nightclubs shut, to a 2,930 square metre place of worship with ancillary uses.
Planning officers have now approved the conversion of the building, saying it would improve its “contribution to the conservation area.”
Bradford planners backed the scheme, saying: “The building is in the City Centre Conservation Area and as such makes an important contribution to the heritage value of the area and demonstrates a good example of a modern building that takes its cues from the established architectural styles and materials.
“The building has been designed to reflect the older buildings surrounding it and successfully incorporates Victorian architectural features.
“The site is in the immediate setting of a number of listed buildings, most noticeably Glyde House (Grade II), the Bradford War Memorial (Grade II) and the Alhambra Theatre (Grade II).
“At present the building is vacant and has, unfortunately, attracted vandals and is beginning to look unkempt. This has a negative impact on the visual amenity of the conservation area.
“At present the building is in danger of deteriorating and causing harm to the conservation area.
“A new use may help to restore the building and improve its contribution to the conservation area.”
Reverend Linda Maslen, Minister at Fountains Church said: “It’s great that we’ve sorted out another piece of this fantastic jigsaw.
“Many thanks to everyone who is working so hard on this exciting project. We look forward to finalising the legal aspects associated with this as soon as possible.”
The small kiosk building in the square will be used to provide a short term base for the new church whilst the initial works in the larger building are completed.