'RADICAL' plans to give a Bradford city centre building a bold new look have been given the go ahead.

This eye-catching vision, designed by Bradford-based Yeme Architects, was revealed back in January.

Yeme, which has its office in the former Diplomat Hotel building on Sunbridge Road, said it, together with its client Python Properties, wanted to help articulate a vision of Bradford which reflects its status as Britain's youngest city.

The application said: “It is critical that all new interventions on the built environment serve to underscore this and dispel negative perceptions that persist.

“Artistic playfulness and interventions can really stretch the possibilities of a space, igniting ideas and encouraging alternative perspectives on how we interact with our urban environments."

And under the heading 'Could Bradford have Britain's coolest office', Yeme said that because Bradford has an "abundance of abundance of iconic, characterful, historic buildings in the city centre at inexpensive prices” it puts it in a unique position.

“This proposal seeks to present and visualise the spaces in a striking way to enable tech-related end users to be able to identify with the building,” it said.

The firm highlighted that as the pattern effect is vinyl, it could be removed at any stage in the future.

A report from Bradford Council planners said: "The proposal is quite radical and will result in an eye-catching and unusual appearance to the building and the wider streetscape.

"Since the West Riding House currently fails to contribute positively to the townscape in this part of the conservation area, its shabby appearance and stark architecture contrasts negatively with the high quality Victorian buildings that stand along Cheapside and Manor Row.

"Whilst the proposal will be a distinct departure from the traditional approach to 'disguising' unattractive modern buildings in the conservation area, the result will be a building which draws the eye and has a playful appearance."

It adds: "The cleaning of the building, replacement of the windows with slim-line casements (albeit in upvc) that open inwards and the replacement of the untidy signage at ground floor will assist in generally improving the appearance of the building however it is the application of the vinyl pattern and the lettering that will result in a building that stands out."

The report said the vision will "enliven the bland and rather oppressive facade" of the building and would provide visual interest "without competing with the listed and key unlisted buildings within the immediate locality". The replacement of the signage will require separate express advertisement consent.