Grade II listed building in Bradford to be brought back to life as a new restaurant

The former Nawaab restaurant on Manor Row dates back to the 1820s, but has been empty for years and has more recently suffered vandalism and damage from damp.

An application to repair and refurbish the building ahead of is reopening as a restaurant has been approved by Bradford Council.

Submitted by Edens Bradford Ltd, the application says the restaurant will “create a focal point in this part of Bradford.”

Works in the application include refurbishments to the outside of the building as well as extensive internal changes, such as the creation of a disabled toilet on the ground floor, the refurbishment of a cast iron staircase and the installation of new flooring.

There is little detail of what type of restaurant the new business will be.

A similar application to refurbish and reopen the restaurant was approved in 2018, but work never began.

The application said: “While vehicle traffic is high, pedestrian footfall is low due to commercial decline, making a striking and well-presented renovation essential.

“The proposal will conserve and restore the building, preventing further deterioration from water ingress, damp, and vandalism. Sensitive restoration, complemented by discreet contemporary additions, will revitalise the site, create a focal point in this part of Bradford, and encourage further regeneration of heritage properties in the surrounding area.

“The works will not only safeguard the historic fabric but also reinvigorate an underused part of the city, contributing to the wider regeneration objectives for Bradford.”

Council Conservation Officers said the building was “in line with other former townhouses located at the top of Manor Row, and reflects the Georgian development of this part of Bradford.”

Approving the scheme, planning officers said: “The proposal will comprise of external and internal alterations to bring the building back into use as and to reopen it as a restaurant within a central location within the city centre with the restaurant to be open during the day and evening.

“Bringing the building back into use will ensure its long term maintenance with the restaurant use appropriate for this location. The principle of the proposed development is deemed to be acceptable.

“The site is not served by a designated car park to provide parking for staff and customer vehicles; however, the site is located within the city centre within a sustainable and accessible location served by local public transportation with bus stops and public car parks located close to the site as well as train stations.”