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Former newspaper office could be turned into flats

Chris YoungLocal Democracy Reporting Service
LDRS A quiet street lined with both modern and historic buildings. On the left, a sleek glass structure with a sign reading “GOLDEN PALMS” contrasts with the ornate stone building beside it, which features tall windows and decorative architectural details. The pavement looks wet, and the sky is overcast.LDRS
If plans are approved, the building could be turned into 57 flats

A landmark building in Bradford city centre could be converted into apartments if new plans are approved.

The former Telegraph & Argus building in Hall Ings has been vacant since the newspaper moved much of its operation to offices on Rooley Lane in 2020.

Work to turn the former print hall building into a restaurant called Golden Palms is almost complete, but there had been little sign of life in the main Grade II listed office building since the closure.

Now London-based Binyomin Oestreicher has submitted a planning application and a listed building application to Bradford Council to convert the building into 57 apartments.

A decision on the application is expected in late March, the Local Democracy Service reports.

The residential conversion would be a mix of one, two and three-bed flats, and would also include a rooftop terrace and gym for residents.

LDRS A large, historic stone building on a city street corner. The architecture is grand and ornate, with multiple floors featuring tall, arched windows framed by decorative stonework. The façade has strong classical influences, including carved details above the windows and prominent vertical pilasters that give the building a sense of height and solidity. The lower level is built from heavier, more textured stone blocks, and the entrances are set within tall arched doorways with dark wooden doors. Higher up, the stone becomes smoother, and each floor has evenly spaced windows that add to the building’s symmetrical appearance. The sky is overcast, creating a muted, slightly foggy atmosphere, and the pavement appears damp, suggesting recent rain. A couple of people are walking on the right side of the image, giving a sense of scale to the building. On the left, part of a more modern structure is visible.LDRS
The building was previously occupied by the Telegraph & Argus

The applicants said there would be no adverse impacts that "significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of delivering the proposed residential development".

They said the plans would also bring an important heritage asset back into active use and boost spend in the local economy during and post construction.

The building is located next to St George's Hall, the oldest operating purpose-built concert hall in the UK.

Since the office building closed it has been at the centre of a major scheme that has seen the busy Hall Ings pedestrianised.

A new urban park, Norfolk Gardens, has been created just yards from the building.

The building has been listed since 1963, and Historic England describes it as "the first Italian palazzo front in Bradford, a large home trade warehouse designed by Andrews and Delanney 1851-53 for the drapery firm of Milligan and Forbes.

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