AN iconic Huddersfield building could become a Kashmiri restaurant.

LaLa’s have asked Kirklees Council for permission to convert Britannia Buildings on St George’s Square.

The Grade II listed structure has been largely empty since the Yorkshire Building Society closed its branch there in 2005. At one stage there was a plan by Indian restaurant chain Saffron to take over the building, but the plan never progressed.

LaLa’s, which has restaurants in Batley and Wakefield, has asked the council for permission to alter the ground floor and basement.

Huddersfield architects Acumen, based on nearby Old Leeds Road, are agents for the application.

Managing director Jeremy Child told the Examiner yesterday: “We’re working very, very carefully with the council’s listed building officer to minimise the effect on the hall.

“We want to keep it as open-plan except for a reception area and the kitchen.

“We’re also proposing to put a new staircase in leading to toilets and a staff area. The Yorkshire Building Society put in disabled access at the rear so disabled customers will be able to use that entrance.”

The banking hall where the restaurant would be sited includes marble-clad walls, Corinthian columns and ornate architraves.