PLANS have been submitted to turn a listed building in Bradford into a quality pub and eatery in an area of the city that is fast becoming a quarter for independent traders.

The scheme at North Parade involves the lower three floors of the five-storey building, which would be turned into The Beer House, serving drinks and food.

A statement accompanying the application, prepared by David Craig Design Consultancy, states: “The city centre generally has had difficulties in attracting new retailers and there are no shortage of vacant premise for new businesses to locate to.

“Whilst the new Westfield shopping centre is under construction, there has been a noted shift of retail towards the lower end of the city. The property has been affected by these market conditions, and has been advertised for over 20 months.

“The emerging independent cafe within the ‘independent quarter’ has attracted my client to the locality, and it is planned with this proposal to add to the character of the emerging scene within the area.”

It goes on to add: “The proposals do not harm the listed building, indeed it is considered that the proposals will add to the character of the conservation area, finding new viable uses for a soon to be redundant building.

“Developing upon the emerging scene upon North Parade, with The Sparrow Bier cafe, Al’s Dime Bar, Forks, The Record Cafe and Bradford Brewery, it is considered that the proposal will further add footfall to the area, and contribute towards a thriving quarter that people choose to visit in its own right.

“It is proposed to install quality fabric awnings and cafe style seating upon the footpath to add to the vibrancy of the street scene and make a positive contribution to the listed buildings.”

The pub plans are in a building that has been home to a long-standing firm, which proposes relocating to the upper floors of the building and selling its goods online. Table Decor sells lighting, bags and furniture, and has been trading in its current location since the 1960s. The business is now predominantly online, so it wants to withdraw from a retail presence on the street.

Current owner Chris Bexon, who also owns the building, said: “It’s a grand listed building and we don’t want to leave it. We have got a legacy to continue so it’s taken some time to find the right business to take over the lower floors.”

He added that Table Decor may maintain a small showroom upstairs, but that it would depend on the space available.

Earlier this year, business owners in North Parade came together to organise a street party in July, in a bid to establish the road and surrounding area as the city’s independent quarter. The event was the brainchild of Nigel Booth, of property maintenance firm Designs in Time. He welcomed the plans, saying: “It’s what we need in the area – top quality pubs and eating places. We hope the variety will attract people to the area.”

North Parade was nominated for the Great British High Street Awards 2014, but failed to make the final shortlist.