Bradford’s shopping offer looks set for another boost after plans for a “comprehensive” overhaul of Forster Square Retail Park were announced - hot on the heels of work starting on Westfield's nearby shopping centre.

Among the changes planned at the Forster Square scheme are a one-way traffic system and new exits to improve traffic flow, a customer service building including public toilets, a children's play area, and facilities to make the park more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.

There will also be efforts to make a pedestrian underpass, currently described as "dark and uninviting" more welcoming.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor David Green, hopes the changes will improve links between the retail park and the rest of the fast-regenerating city centre.

The retail park contains some of the city's biggest stores, including Asda Living, Argos and Currys, and is divided into two parts, separated by the Hamm Strasse main road.

A planning application submitted by the Mary Street Estate details the changes that will be made to the park's car park and pedestrian areas. There will be space for 40 cycles and it points out that pedestrians seem to take a back seat to cars in the existing park.

COMMENT: SHOPS LINK-UP CAN BE A BOOST TO CITY CENTRE

Their proposed changes are an attempt to shake off the image as a car only zone.

The changes would reduce the number of parking spaces by 18.

The application says: "Although well maintained, the quality of the existing landscaping is poor. Trees located within the park hinder vehicle and pedestrian flow. Existing tired areas of landscaping are to be removed and replaced with grassed areas along the frontage. Planting will be introduced along all walkways and around seating to create pleasant spaces."

A "customer service lodge" will include disabled toilets as well as a baby changing area, and an on site security presence. The play area will be created near the entrance to the northern part of the park, overlooked by the block of cafes and coffee shops.

New benches, street furniture and an "events space" will be installed to make the retail park more attractive to those not in cars, and new pavings areas will be created from materials that are "inspired by Bradford's rich history in textiles."

Detailing how it will improve the Hamm Strasse underpass, the application says: "A more elaborate lighting scheme is proposed here with shapes an patterns projected onto the ground. This will build on the theme of textiles and create continuity between the two sides of the park.

"It will also transform an intimidating environment into somewhere that feels more playful and safe."

Cllr Green said: "We welcome any investment in the city, and I hope that these improvements, particularly in the walkway under Hamm Strasse, will improve pedestrian links with the rest of the city centre.

"We need to look closely at the details of the plan, but I'm delighted with the investment."

Val Summerscales, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, feels that with the Westfield opening just months away, other business were starting to up their game. She said: "We would be fully supportive of any plan to tidy up the city centre. It is good that they are planning to have a better link between the two sites, because at the moment that walkway under Hamm Strasse isn't very nice, perhaps people feel vulnerable walking through it.

"This is a move in the right direction for Bradford. I wonder if other retailers and landowners have now seen that they have to do something to compete with Westfield."

A decision on the application will be made next month.