2004: Westfield, an Australian developer, acquired the site from developer Stannifer and pledged it would be open by 2007.

2005: New city centre road, New Cheapside, completed to accommodate the scheme and Westfield expected to move on site, to complete by 2008.

Debenhams and Bhs remained the main tenants with more than 80 other shops, 171 apartments, 2,500 parking spaces and permission for a 120-bed hotel.

Shopkeepers also given notice to move out by September 19 and the Council handed control of scheme to Westfield.

2006: Uncertainty starts to surround the site with no start date and meeting between Council leaders and Westfield as shops are demolished.

2007: Council chief executive Tony Reeves said he expects work to start this year. Council officials visit Westfield’s new Derby development to see how Bradford could look with Mr Reeves stating Bradford Westfield would take another three years.

Westfield submit a planning application to include a 220-bed hotel from a well-established chain.

2008: Westfield open a construction headquarters in the city centre, but Council regeneration chief, Coun Andrew Mallinson, warns of complications arising from uncertain economic conditions.

2009: Council chiefs and Yorkshire Forward have ‘frank’ discussions with Westfield bosses in London as it was revealed construction work would not start in 2009 because of the credit crunch 2010: Urban Garden created on the mothballed site while a Westfield boss says he remains passionate about scheme.

2011: New revised plans for a scaled-down development submitted to the Council.

2012: Occupy Westfield protesters at the Urban Garden for a week calling for the Council to hold a public inquiry to answer its questions about the development agreement for the Broadway shopping centre.

2013: New plans submitted to the Council with retailers including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Next named as the flagship stores with site preparation work finally beginning on Monday, November 25.