PLANS for a cinema, restaurants and 24-hour gym on the former Royal Mail sorting office site at Forster Court are going on show to the public.

Developer British Land is promising an "exciting new leisure destination and a vibrant link between the successful Forster Square Shopping Park, Forster Square Station and the rest of the city centre."

The site, between Lower Kirkgate and Forster Square Station, has been empty for nearly two years and was brought by British Land months after it was closed by Royal Mail in 2013.

The closure of the Forster Square delivery office was part of a nationwide shake-up announced in 2010 and led to a significant number of jobs being transferred to another of Royal Mail's centres in Leeds.

When the new development plans were revealed by the Telegraph & Argus in May, they were welcomed by the chairman of the Bradford Property Forum, Steve McManus.

He said the proposals showed developers had confidence to invest in Bradford.

"It will support the city centre regeneration and create more jobs. By introducing leisure facilities, both local people and visitors will stay in the city centre longer and it will become a more vibrant destination," he added.

British Land has already had discussions with Bradford Council about its plans.

Local authority leader Councillor David Green said he would have to wait to see final plans, but added: "The important thing is that any development complements what is going on with the regeneration of the city centre. It has to help the city centre and not pull footfall away from it."

The proposals are being shown to the public ahead of a planning application being submitted to the council.

A British Land spokesman said: "There’s a growing buzz about Bradford and these exciting new leisure plans will only add to the city’s variety.

"Our proposals for new cafes, restaurants and a gym, will complement the city’s existing offer, creating jobs and improved public realm. The new cinema will also celebrate and strengthen Bradford’s proud status as a City of Film.

"We are looking forward to meeting with local residents, businesses and visitors to the city at the public exhibition to further explain the proposals and hear local views."

The public exhibition will take place at Forster Square Shopping Park on Friday, September 11, between 10am and 6pm, and the following day from 10am to 2pm.

The cinema is one of two planned for the city. A boutique six-screen cinema on Broadway, next to the under-development shopping centre, was approved by the council earlier this month.

That will also incorporate restaurants.

The National Media Museum had objected to those plans with its director saying the new complex could damage the tourist attraction's future.