An iconic town centre building and former home of Standard Fireworks will be turned into student flats.

Standard House – originally Marshalls Mill – on Half Moon Street, Huddersfield, will be revamped by the same firm that converted the former Thatcher’s furniture premises on Dundas Street.

And a plan to add two floors onto the historic Victorian building have been given the green light.

It is expected 55 flats will be created.

Drawings submitted to Kirklees Council show a plan to remove the roof and add two modern glass fronted floors to the top of the 19th century building.

Artist's impression of Standard House by Yeme Architects

The applicant says it will retain the large glass facade at the front of the building and hopes to create a cafe or an “edgy” coffee shop in the unit vacated by International Fashion.

The rest of the premises would be stripped out and replaced with a mix of one, two and three-bed flats and studios.

The iconic circular-fronted building was originally a warehouse for Thomas Hirst, a Huddersfield wool merchant.

In 1930 it was bought by Crosland Hill based Standard Fireworks, who renamed it Standard House. It was used for the fireworks company offices.

It has hosted clothing shops for many decades, including fashion shops Ben Pearson’s and Marie’s and latterly International Fashion – which was forced to close by landlords in January this year.

Standard House, Half Moon Street, Huddersfield, to become student housing.

Owner, Brenda Bedford, pulled down the shutters after 36 years after being given notice to quit.

Brenda, and all the other tenants of the building, were asked to vacate the premises late last year.

The tenants were assisted with relocation.

It is thought the scheme will see about £4m invested in refurbishment.