Restaurant with Labour link may become flats

A derelict "hidden gem" with links to the formation of the Labour Party could be converted into student accommodation.

A planning application has been submitted to Bradford Council by Kirkgate House Ltd to repair the former New Giuseppes restaurant in Albion Court, off Kirkgate, and convert it into six flats.

Albion Court in Bradford city centre was once home to Laycocks Temperance Hotel, where the Independent Labour Party was formed in 1893, which is marked at the site with a plaque.

According to the application, New Giuseppes was a "popular, hidden gem Italian restaurant" and was a "beloved local destination" before closing in the 2000s.

The site is close to the proposed Bradford City Village development, which will create around 1,000 new homes on three sites including the former Kirkgate Shopping Centre building, which is earmarked for demolition.

The building has numerous faults, according to applicants, including a large crack in one wall and damaged floors and joists caused by rainwater leaking in through the roof.

A decision on the application is expected in October, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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