7:00am Monday 5th February 2007
By Jo Winrow
Debenhams department store has signed up to be one of two key outlets in Bradford's £300 million Broadway shopping scheme.
Developer Westfield today announced that the company will take over a 117,000 sq ft store on three levels selling fashions and homewear when the massive shopping centre is built.
The Broadway shopping scheme is to include 100 shops, two department stores, 171 apartments and 1,800 car parking spaces.
As previously reported in the Telegraph & Argus, Debenhams is one of two "anchor" stores that committed to the project from the first - but has only been officially confirmed today. The other major store, Bhs, has already signed up to take 40,000 sq ft.
Westfield is working closely with Bradford Council and Bradford Centre Regeneration and expects the 588,000 sq ft scheme to be a major source of jobs for local people with over 3,000 being created during the construction period alone.
Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration and housing, Councillor Andrew Mallinson, said: "The signing of Debenhams as the anchor store for the Broadway scheme is a massive boost and really great news for the residents of the Bradford district.
"Debenhams and Bhs are two major companies and this is an example of the kind of quality retailers that will be taking the 100 spaces in the development, and they are of the high standard that Bradford requires and expects."
Michael Gutman, Westfield's managing director UK and Europe, said: "We are delighted that Debenhams will have a major presence in our Bradford development.
"We have an excellent relationship with Debenhams which will anchor our new Derby development, due to open this autumn, and our Westfield London project at White City which will open next year.
"We are excited to provide retailers of the calibre of Debenhams with an excellent trading environment in the heart of Bradford, a city that has the potential to become a major regional shopping destination."
Rob Templeman, Debenhams chief executive said: "This is an exciting time for Bradford and for the future of retailing within the city.
"Westfield have made a number of improvements to the scheme since they took over the project in December 2004 and based on our strong relationship with them elsewhere we are confident in the company's ability to deliver a first class shopping experience.
"We feel certain that the confidence in Bradford's future will be underpinned by this major project and look forward to welcoming the people of Bradford to our new store."
Westfield is finalising contracts with other key retailers that have already agreed terms to come into the centre before confirming a firm start date for construction.
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