NEW jobs could be created if a restaurant plan for Waterloo gets the go-ahead.

The proposals have been submitted to Kirklees Council to create a restaurant and takeaway in former offices at Tandem, Waterloo.

The plan is for the former premises of highways consulting engineers Sanderson Associates Ltd in Wakefield Road, on the front of the complex which already includes Total Fitness and Soccer City.

The building has stood empty since 2006, when the firm moved to Flockton.

A spokesman for the developers says it is now showing signs of deterioration, and has been attacked by vandals, thieves and graffiti artists.

Parts of the building are also leaking.

It has been boarded up to try and protect the fabric of the building.

A spokesman for architects Farrar Bamforth Associates said: “Our clients wish to open up a restaurant and bring the building back into use and refurbish it.

“This is an ideal time to do so before the building deteriorates further and becomes an eyesore.

“They plan to turn the upper ground floor into the restaurant, waiting area and kitchen, with the lower ground floor used for storage.

“At a later date, they would go into a second phase and convert the first floor to provide an additional 75 sq m of dining.

“Parking would not be an issue”.

Council planners will examine the proposals in the new year.