A FORMER courthouse which has stood empty for more than six years has been sold.

Property company Cox 22 Ltd has bought the premises, in Bradford Road, Bingley, which includes the town’s one-time police station.

Director Donald Jaggar said this week that several possible options were being considered for the prime plot, including luxury apartments and commercial units.

“It’s very early days and in conjunction with architects we’re exploring various ideas – nothing is decided at the moment,” said Mr Jaggar, 81, who lives in the town.

“Some people think I’m mad at my age taking on a project like this, but I’m looking forward to the challenge!”

Prior to its closure in December, 2011, when cases were transferred to Bradford, the site acted as Keighley’s magistrates’ court.

Last year, anger was voiced at the amount of public money being spent on ‘maintaining’ the empty building.

Government officials admitted that about £3,200 a month was going on the upkeep of the complex.

But constituency MP Philip Davies, who condemned the situation, claimed the true monthly bill was closer to £5,000.

Mr Jaggar says considerable work will be needed to restore and convert the property.

“It has fallen into a very poor state of repair and will require gutting inside,” he said.

“It’s in an awful condition.

“However, it is a very important and prominent site in the town and we’re keen to see new life breathed into it.

“We’ll be speaking to the council and drawing-up firm plans but we’re not rushing into anything.”

The Government’s courts and tribunal service said it was delighted at the sale.

A spokesman added: “We secured a good deal for the building to allow us to reinvest in the justice system, improving the experience for all court users.”

The sale is welcomed by Mr Davies, who was highly critical of the Government last year for its spending on the vacant site.

He had called on the Government to “cut its losses” and auction off the building and raised the issue with the courts minister.

“I am delighted that the building has been sold,” he said this week.

“It was a drain on taxpayers and we needed it brought back into use to help the vibrancy of the town centre.

“I hope that whatever is planned will help support shops and businesses in Bingley.”

Bingley councillor John Pennington, who is also the Tory group leader on Bradford Council, adds his support.

“It has taken a long time – far too long – for the Ministry of Justice to get to this point but I’m pleased that eventually it has,” he said.

“The ministry seems to be a law unto itself.

“This building occupies a prime location in the town and has stood empty way too long.

“It needs to be brought back into use and I look forward to seeing what proposals are put forward.”

Since the closure of the old courthouse, criminal cases have been dealt with at Bradford & Keighley Magistrates’ Court, in the city.