Plans put forward to transform Bradford’s Brown & Muff Building
Plans to transform the former Brown & Muff building in Bradford city centre, once known as the ‘Harrods of the North’ into an aparthotel is to be considered by council bosses.
The planning application, submitted earlier this month, was brought forward by developer Stamford Properties, which wants to extend and convert the building to form 69 apartment/hotel rooms.
Manchester architect Fletcher-Rae designed the scheme that is aiming to regenerate the prominent Victorian building on Market Street.
Andrew Rae said: “ Plans for the aparthotel take into account the site’s historical context, including the adjacent Wool Exchange listed building, and propose an outfit and roof extension that reflects the shape and materials of the surroundings. For instance, the single-storey roof extension is designed in dark metal cladding, a common theme in the area, and follows a mansard roof system to visually reduce the scale.”
Dating back to 1814, the original Brown & Muff Company was demolished and rebuilt in 1870, designed by architects Knowles & Wilcock. Founded by Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, the department store was renowned for luxury goods.
The business was taken over by Rackhams and eventually closed in 1995 due to the downturn in the economy. The building has been remodelled over the years to adapt to its changing use and is currently semi-occupied with most of the basement, ground and first floors units occupied by various food, retail and commercial tenants.
