Cafe and hub planned for former rugby club

The Grade II listed building in Wibsey is more than 200 years old

A former rugby club building could be turned into a cafe and community hub under plans submitted to Bradford Council.

Developer Decrypt Ltd has applied for permission to convert the vacant Wibsey Rugby Union Football Club building on High Street in Wibsey into a cafe with a private dining area and games room.

The planning application said the plans would "benefit the local community whilst preserving the building's historic character".

The Grade II listed building dates back to the late 18th to early 19th centuries and was originally constructed as two cottages.

The site was previously used as a licensed sports and social club associated with the local rugby community, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"The premises are currently unoccupied and have been vacant for a period, leading to concerns over the building's ongoing maintenance, vitality and potential deterioration," a planning statement said.

"The proposed change of use seeks to reintroduce community value to the building while retaining its architectural and historical character.

"The proposed cafe and hub will provide a welcoming space for local residents, supporting social inclusion, and open to local activities."

If approved, the new venue would open from 09:00 to 21:00 and create three jobs.

A decision is expected to be made on the planning application by the end of the year.

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