A historic former bank building in Bradford city centre that has stood empty for years and is reportedly suffering from a pigeon infestation could be brought back into use under new redevelopment plans.
Proposals have been submitted to Bradford Council to transform the Grade II* listed former Santander bank on the corner of Darley Street and Kirkgate into a mixed-use development featuring flats, office space and a café.
The prominent Victorian building has been vacant since 2022, when Santander closed the branch due to what it described as “unforeseen structural issues”. The branch never reopened, with the bank later relocating to a new site in The Broadway shopping centre.
The latest plans, submitted by Leeds-based REF79 LTD, aim to breathe new life into the building by converting the ground floor into co-working office space and meeting rooms, alongside a 140-square-metre café on the mezzanine level. The upper floors would be converted into 19 flats, including two serviced apartments that could operate as hotel-style accommodation.
Planning documents state that the scheme would provide “a fresh and viable use” for the landmark building, which has remained unused for several years and is now showing signs of deterioration. The application says: “The primary objective is to provide a fresh and viable use for this significant Grade II* Listed building, which has stood vacant for several months and is showing signs of internal deterioration (e.g., pigeon infestation).
“The conversion aims to introduce high-quality city centre ‘urban living’ and working, while maintaining an active commercial presence at street level.”
The building is a key location in the city centre, just a short distance from the new Darley Street Market and directly opposite the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, which is set to be demolished as part of wider regeneration plans that will deliver hundreds of new homes.
The application highlights the building’s historical importance, describing it as the first of Bradford’s prestige banking premises. It states: “Built for the Bradford Banking Company to designs by Andrews and Delanney, it is recognised as the first of Bradford’s prestige banking premises. Its significance derives from its architectural quality, historical association with Bradford’s commercial growth, and its aesthetic contribution to the streetscape.”
The developers argue that finding a modern commercial tenant for the entire building would be challenging due to its size, layout and heritage status, making mixed-use redevelopment a more practical solution. The application adds: “Converting historic city-centre buildings, particularly former banks, into a mix of residential and active commercial uses is a proven and practical adaptation strategy that aligns with market demand and regeneration goals.”
The proposals have been welcomed by the Bradford Civic Society, which described the building as one of the city’s most impressive historic banks. A spokesperson said: “It’s encouraging to see more of Bradford’s older heritage properties becoming a more viable prospect for refurbishment.”This is one of the grandest old banks in Bradford, and a hospitality use at ground floor is very welcome.”
The society added that it hoped similar projects would help preserve other heritage buildings in the city centre as regeneration work continues.
