Plans to convert empty office into school

If approved, the former Uni Express offices, off Canal Road, could be converted into a school

An empty office building off one of Bradford’s busiest roads could be converted into a school.

Pivot Academy has submitted a planning application to Bradford City Council to open a school in the former Uni Express offices, off Canal Road.

It would provide education for pupils with special educational needs or who have struggled in mainstream schools.

The trust said the school would have 70 pupils and create 30 jobs.

The application also includes an outdoor games area next to the building and a car park, which would include four EV charging bays.

A taxi drop off area is also proposed, with the application stating around 20% of pupils will travel to and from the school by taxi.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said, according to the application, the offices have been unoccupied for some time, despite being actively marketed for office use.

It read: "The proposed school will provide for KS3 and KS4 pupils who have struggled in previous schools, and pupils with special educational needs, who often have gaps in learning.

"The school’s focus is on ensuring the wellbeing of the pupils and encouraging learning outcomes that other academic institutions have not managed to achieve."

The application said the office building was in an area of the city where employment use would usually be encouraged over other uses, such as schools.

However, the academy argued the school would create as many jobs as if the building remained as office space.

A decision on the planning application is expected next month.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]