Just the boost city needed

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Wednesday 23rd Jun 2004.

There will be a great deal of relief in Bradford at the news that the Government has given its approval so promptly to the amended £250 million Broadway shopping scheme rather than insisting on a public inquiry which could have delayed it for months.

The scheme put forward by the new developer, Stannifer - which the company now says could be complete and open in the autumn of 2007 - is without doubt substantially better than its predecessor and looks likely also to be more attractive in terms of finish on all sides.

The new plan seems set to create a much more significant development more in keeping with its surroundings, unlike the dirty Portland stone and marble facings and 1960s concrete-style structures it replaces.

Although it's unlikely to be close to the futuristic vision identified for this area in Will Alsop's Masterplan, it will still have some striking architectural elements and far more retail outlets as well as more parking and a much more traditional street-scene layout covered with a high-tech roof which will give the impression of open sky.

No doubt some elements of the scheme will fail to suit everyone, but the important thing is that it has been given the go-ahead, site clearance is under way, and Bradford can look forward to a fantastic new retail experience that will help to put it back on the map as one of the most important cities in Northern England.

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