(Image: Otta Coffe House)
A new coffee house is planning to open in an old bank.
Otta Coffee House is coming to Greengates, Bradford, next door to a recently opened vape and nicotine shop that has attracted criticism from local councillors.
Councillors previously voiced concerns over the arrival of NIC Central Premium Snus & Vapes on New Line, saying residents had hoped the redevelopment would include a café and community hub rather than another vape retailer.
Now, the founders of Otta Coffee House have said they want to help bring back that sense of community when the business opens later this year.
'A huge need' for a community space
Saleh Ahmed, one of the founders of Otta Coffee House, said the idea was born from a desire to create more than just a place to grab a drink.
Mr Ahmed said: "We've recognised a huge need from the feedback we've received on social media and from local people.
He added: "The birth of the idea was very much around creating a community-based spot.
"It's designed around things like isolation and mental health.
"A lot of people are housebound or generally don't come out much.
"The idea is to create a central hub where people can come together over a coffee."
The business has already begun building links with local groups ahead of opening, including organisations running mindfulness sessions and mother-and-baby meet-ups.
Mr Ahmed said the aim was to provide a welcoming space where people can meet others, build relationships and become more connected with their community.
Bradford roots
The founders say the business is firmly rooted in Bradford, with both owners living locally and having grown up in the district.
Mr Ahmed said: "We're a Bradford-based business. We were born in Bradford, educated in Bradford and built our careers here.
"We understand what's important to local people and we're committed to supporting the area."
He added that the company plans to source products locally wherever possible, with coffee roasted in West Yorkshire and local people recruited to work in the café.
The business expects to create 14 jobs when it opens.
Opening planned for November
While work continues on the site, the founders say they are currently targeting an early November opening.
Mr Ahmed said: "We're anticipating an opening date in early November, but we're at the mercy of builders and contractors so we don't want to give a specific date just yet."
The Greengates site will serve as Otta Coffee House's flagship branch, with ambitions to expand to other locations across Bradford in the future.