A historic arcade in Keighley is set to be restored to its former glory.

Work is due to start on the renovation of the grade II-listed, 114-year-old arcade in North Street, which will include the restoration of the shop fronts and glazed canopy.

The major restoration project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Bradford Council and the property owner, through the Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The shop fronts still retain considerable intricate detailing, and where the original joinery is missing it will be replaced by specialist joiners from Bradford.

The original sash windows will be restored, and repairs will be carried out to the walls and roof.

The upper floors of the building – vacated a few years ago by Turner and Wall Solicitors who moved to new premises – will be converted into 13 flats.

As the building is listed, the conversion has been carefully designed by Bradford Architects Design Studio-North to ensure that its historic significance is not compromised.

Sue Oakley, Bradford Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative officer, said: “One of the biggest problems with historic buildings in our town centre streets is vacant floor space, both within the shops themselves and on upper floors.

“This project is a great example of how an old building can be re-used in an innovative way to provide a contemporary solution without compromising its character.”

The arcade was designed in 1898 by John Judson and Moore Architects from Keighley for the Yorkshire Land and Buildings Co Ltd.

The facade is particularly ornate, with beautifully carved stonework crafted by Alex Smith, who worked on many buildings in Keighley and painted the murals in Keighley library.

The renovation is one of the most high-profile projects in the THI, a grant scheme designed to regenerate the North Street and Church Street area of Keighley.