High-street giant Marks & Spencer today announced plans to create 2,500 new jobs in Bradford.

The company has picked the city for a major new distribution centre at the business park being built on the site of the former West Bowling Golf Club in Rooley Lane.

If approved by Council planners, Marks & Spencer bosses expect the base to be fully operational by 2010 and intend to sign a 35-year lease.

American developer ProLogis wants to transform the Rooley Lane site into a state-of-the-art business park.

The distribution centre is a new addition to the development. As a result, an amended planning application will be sent to Bradford Council next month.

The business park includes a range of "advanced business and enterprise units" suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, local occupiers and national companies. The 145 homes proposed on the eastern part of the site are unchanged from previous plans.

ProLogis bosses say that in addition to 2,500 jobs at the Marks & Spencer centre, an extra 500 to 1,000 jobs could be created across the 90-acre site.

Matthew Byrom, ProLogis vice-president, said: "ProLogis is in discussions with Marks & Spencer regarding a bespoke state-of-the-art facility on our Rooley Lane site.

"This 35-year deal is a one-off opportunity to bring significant investment and a large number of high-quality jobs and employment opportunities to the local community.

"The Marks & Spencer interest means that a further planning application will now be made to Bradford Council in October to accommodate this facility within the plans for the site.

Simon Ratcliffe, logistics director for Marks & Spencer general merchandise, said: "We look forward to hearing Bradford Council's thoughts on the proposals put forward by M&S and ProLogis.

"We want to play our part in the regeneration of this fantastic city through a long-term commitment to this site, which will create significant employment and lead the industry in terms of its environmental credentials."

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, whose constituency includes the site, said: "It really is great news. Here we have focused plans and a great provider in the shape of Marks & Spencer.

"We always knew that Bradford is a great centre for logistics and this is good for the city's economy and the city as a whole."

Bradford Council leader Kris Hopkins said: "The news that Marks & Spencer wishes to site such a major facility in Bradford is a huge boost for the regeneration of the district.

"It serves as a sign of our economic progress and our ability to attract prestigious brands to the area.

"This development would also lead to a large number of new jobs being created for the benefit of local people."

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, which has been working closely with Marks & Spencer on its proposals to invest in the region, said: "To have a company like Marks & Spencer invest in our region would be a fantastic addition to our regional economy, creating a significant number of jobs and reaffirming the region's reputation as a logistics hub.

"What makes Marks & Spencer's proposal even more welcome is its commitment to making the Bradford site as green' as possible - which fits with our mission to reduce carbon emissions in the region and proves that major industry players are recognising the importance of environmental issues in their business."

Balbir Panesar, president of Bradford Chamber, said: "This announcement is great news for the people and businesses of Bradford.

"The investment that is coming into the district, the increasing media attention on the name of Bradford - in a positive light - and the job opportunities that arise out of such activity all show that things are changing here.

"It makes great sense to put high-quality distribution sites in such an area, so close to both the transport network and to a good pool of labour.

"Like M&S, we too look forward to hearing what Bradford Council has to say about the plan. We would be happy to consult and liaise with all partners involved in the plan, and fully support the aims of making this site a key employment location."

The amended plans for the business park went on show today at a public exhibition at St John's CE Church in Bierley Lane. The exhibition will also be open tomorrow.

Mr Byrom said: "This exhibition offers the public the chance to see these exciting new plans and to comment on them. Just as with our last proposal it is vital for us to gain the opinions of the community to help deliver the best possible scheme for the city."