THE construction of Bradford's new £270 million Broadway shopping centre has now reached its highest point.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, placed the final bolt in the steelwork at a ceremonial topping-out ceremony today.

A crowd of around 100 dignitaries, journalists and construction staff gathered to watch as the bolt was driven into a frame around a lift shaft, which will serve the top level of the car park.

Cllr Gibbons said: "Thank you for being here on a somewhat windy morning for this topping-out ceremony of what is to Bradford probably one of the most important developments of all time."

Developer Westfield started work on its Broadway shopping centre in December last year.

Duncan Bower, development director at Westfield, said today was a "great day" for the city.

He said: "A t the moment, it is the biggest retail development on site in the UK."

Mr Bower said despite it being a "logistically highly challenging site", work was on schedule.

He said: "The target remains for Christmas next year, but we will keep everybody appraised on the opening date."