Since the end of the recession, an upturn in demand has kick-started several commercial development schemes which were placed on the back burner during the economic downturn.
One of the latest developments to be rejuvenated is the Westfield Broadway shopping centre in Bradford, which has long frustrated local councillors due to a number of delays to the project. Fortunately, developers Westfield have now confirmed that they are in final talks with retailers keen to take up space and can therefore begin to prepare the site for construction work.
A Westfield spokesman said; “2013 has seen solid momentum on the Bradford Broadway Development with the signings of new retailers including Next, WHSmith, Vodafone and Phones 4U to join confirmed anchors Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.
“Earlier this year, Westfield secured planning permission to create an additional third sales level for Debenhams and a number of new retailers are currently in contractual negotiations.”
In a report submitted to the city’s Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee, it was confirmed that 18,500 square metres of the 53,000 square metres of available commercial space has officially been taken up by retailers.
However, the remaining space is expected to be snapped up quickly thanks to the Council’s Growth Zone business rate scheme, which provides firms with business rate rebates if they can prove they are creating new jobs in Bradford city centre.
Altogether, it is hoped that the £320 million Westfield Broadway development will create 2,500 new retail jobs in the long run.
Westfield’s spokesman concluded; “Since February this year, Westfield has submitted the required documentation to discharge all of the planning conditions which need to be discharged prior to the start of construction.
“Of the pre-start conditions, only three remain to be discharged and it is expected that these will be discharged in mid-October.
“The exact start date is still subject to finalising the remaining retailer contractual agreements – however, Westfield is working intensively with the relevant retailers to facilitate a start late in the fourth quarter of 2013.”
Councillors are also hopeful that the new centre will encourage leisure and restaurant businesses to invest in the surrounding area, creating a “hub” where local people can shop and relax.
