£35m boost for new "Growth Zone".
In an effort to attract business into the city centre, Bradford plans to competely redesign the Broadway area to convert it into an architecturally attractive shopping precinct. Work started in 2004 but was halted in 2008 due to the recession. Extra investment has now been offered by central government which will be matched by City Council funds. Westfield and Marks & Spencer are only two of the companies which have already agreed to engage, and others will be attracted by the "Growth Zone" business rate relief in return for the provision of training and employment to Bradfordians.
With around 294,000 people and some 493,000 in the metropoltican area, Bradford is the UK's thirteenth largest conurbation. It made its name and money from wool and textiles but, as those industries declined, the city later developed by delivering financial services, and through electronics, manufacturing and engineering. Both supermarket group Morrisons and Thomas Cook Tour Operators have headquarters there.
With many travelling the short hop to local rival Leeds to shop, the expansion of retail space in Bradford's city centre will provide a welcome thrust to local enterprise.
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