A RESTAURANT created from the shell of a fire-ravaged building opens in Bradford city centre on Monday.

Café Bell-A-Pizza, on the corner of Westgate and Barry Street, is the latest newcomer to Bradford’s growing Independent Quarter.

The Victorian building was gutted in a huge blaze nearly five years ago when it housed a school uniform shop called Natasha’s.

It has taken an extensive restoration over the last nine months to revive the exterior and convert the interior into a restaurant and café bar.

The project has been supported by the Council’s City Centre Growth Zone initiative.

The restaurant includes a 'play zone' so adults can relax while their children enjoy a soft play area and climbing frame.

Restaurant owner Sid Hussain said: "It’s been a really big job restoring the building, as it was so badly damaged - and there have been lots of ups and downs.

"But we’ve finally made it and now we can start getting excited about welcoming Bradford people in through the doors and being a part of the revival of the city centre and the Independent Quarter which is already well underway now."

The top three floors of the building have been converted into nine flats.

David Robertson-Brown, director of Gumption Centres Ltd, who supported the redevelopment through the City Centre Growth Zone scheme said: "We’re delighted to see Café Bell-A-Pizza coming to life, as it is one of the most ambitious Growth Zone schemes, restoring a property which had been an eyesore for several years.

"We're also pleased that the people of Bradford will soon have another high-quality eatery to enjoy - and with something a bit special for families."