From The Chamber

7:26am Monday 26th February 2007

Businesses tell us that a more positive image of Bradford needs to be created, both within our boundaries and beyond. So we've worked with Bradford Centre Regeneration, Bradford Vision's Economic Development Partnership and Invest in Bradford to promote Bradford for all the right reasons. The evidence is that there is investment and new interest as a result of this concerted effort.

How sad then to see comments about one of the most significant regeneration projects, the Broadway development. Yes, there's been a long lead-in time for a variety of reasons, but do we have to be so negative about Westfield? When the rumour machine was working overtime in late 2006, the company responded immediately to the Chamber's queries. They did so again last month, when they provided confirmation of their anchor tenant's commitment and detailed information on the revised plans. What was the result? More ill-informed comment.

People seem to love the doom and gloom view of life. When a multi-million company has invested £50m in a commercial project and is working hard to attract retailers who do not currently have a base here, why can't we support them? I hope the business community at least will recognise the large and complicated challenge facing the Westfield team and give them encouragement and a warm welcome to our community.

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