Bradford-based shoe store Barratts is the latest retailer to sign up to the £320 million Broadway shopping development.
The announcement was made last night as Westfield held its national leasing launch for the city centre project at Bradford’s National Media Museum.
The glitzy event, attended by leading retailers and agents, was aimed at showcasing the scheme to a wider audience. Michael Ziff, chairman of Stylo Plc, the parent company of Barratts, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the new Westfield Bradford. We hope to be trading in the new centre by 2010.”
Graham Hardaker, a director of Stylo, who was present at the launch, said the company had to close its store in Bradford several years ago. “This scheme gives us a great chance to come back to Bradford, which we are excited about,” he said.
Speaking at last night’s launch, David Slade, leasing director for Westfield, said: “If we can lease this shopping centre, we will build it and I am quite confident we can do that. We are targeting an opening of 2010.
“Barratts have their head office here in Bradford and it is very fitting to announce their signing while we’re launching our leasing campaign in the city.”
One of many businessmen to be invited to the launch was Peter Bashir, from the Zouk Tea Room and Grill, in Leeds Road, Bradford.
He said: “We are in negotiations with Westfield right now with a view to having a Zouk in the new development. Bradford is renowned for its Indian food and it is something that needs to be included in this new development.”
Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Councillor Adrian Naylor, said: “The announcement that Barratts has signed up to Westfield Bradford is a big boost for the project and further evidence of the confidence national organisations have in the city.”
Westfield Bradford will create 54,600 sq m of retail with homes and offices and 1,750 car parking spaces.