WORK will soon start on converting an empty Victorian listed building in Bradford into a training centre for people who have recovered from addiction.

The Bridge Project has been granted planning permission to convert Pelican House in Little Germany into a centre where people who have overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol can be trained with the skills needed to move into a career.

Built in the 1860s, the building in Currer Street has stood empty for more than six years, and the charity has now been granted planning permission to convert the interior. There were no objections to the plans.

The Bridge Project, based in Manningham Lane, already runs the Forks Cafe on North Parade. Last year it was given a grant of £350,000 by the Department of Health to provide further training for recovered addicts.

The training centre will not treat addicts, but help people who are now abstinent from drink or drugs move on to the next stage of their lives.

It will teach basic English, Maths and IT skills, recovery volunteer training, including qualifications in working in health and social care, barista training supported by staff from Forks Café, cycle maintenance and repair and provide educational support including CV writing and interview skills.

After permission was granted Bridge Project chief executive officer Jon Royle said: “There is still a bit of negotiating to do, but as soon as we are able we will be refurbishing the building, which has been empty for about six years. There is quite a bit of rain damage inside.

“It is an awful state inside, but when all the work is finished we’re going to have a great building to train people who have recovered from substance abuse.

“I think it will be summer time before we will be able to open.”

There will be no changes to the Grade II listed building’s exterior.

Mr Royle hopes the opening of the centre will further aid the regeneration of Little Germany – the site is only a short distance from The Broadway shopping centre.

Forks Cafe, which opened in 2014, is also run by those who have recovered from addiction. The social enterprise has gone on to be a huge success, and was recently voted seventh out of more than 550 restaurants and cafes in Bradford on Tripadvisor.

Pelican House was designed by Eli Milnes and built as a textile trade warehouse. It was last used as offices.

Giving the go-ahead to the planning application, Bradford Council officers stated: “The proposal would derive a benefit from the creation of a new use ensuring maintenance and upkeep of a Grade ll listed building within the Little Germany Conservation Area.

“The proposed use will see the building returned to beneficial use, and is not considered to conflict with the preservation of the building, or the character or vitality of the conservation area.”