The new vision of the city centre and the plans to demolish the tired old 1960s Broadway shopping centre were first mooted three years ago.

Since then there have been delays, disappointments and fears about funding but today the Telegraph & Argus can reveal how the developers' vision has turned out.

The next exciting phase of the regeneration of Bradford's centre has been hailed as "wonderful" and something that traders and shoppers alike can look forward to with anticipation.

The first plans for a redevelopment of Broadway came from a consortium of businesses led by Knottingley-based Caddick Construction.

They revealed their plans for a new Broadway shopping centre exclusively to the T&A before submitting an outline planning application which was approved by Bradford Council.

Stannifer, one of Britain's biggest retail investors, has now taken over the scheme begun and progressed by the original Forster Square Development Partnership.

Now, as the city begins to dramatically change through demolition, there is an atmosphere of excitement and great optimism about Bradford's future.

Although the vision unveiled today has changed in architectural terms, it covers the same 16-acre "footprint" on land in the heart of the city which was bought by the consortium.

Caddick also bought the Conditioning House in Canal Road and subsequently obtained planning permission to turn it into a shopping centre. Now the company is re-examining the proposals and considering putting apartments in the huge building which occupies a prime site overlooking Canal Road.

The original consortium had to go through the process of a public inquiry two years ago to obtain compulsory purchase orders for dozens of buildings which will need clearing - including the banana-shaped Petergate shop and office block.

In July 2002 the go-ahead was given for the CPOs and the scheme seemed set for lift-off.

But the development partnership was dealt a blow by the end of that year when the Government regeneration agency Yorkshire Forward backed out of plans to help the vast scheme because, it said, costs had risen.

But the partnership pledged the scheme which would lead to the rebirth of the city would go ahead and it was soon apparent that Stannifer was interested.

A planning application for the Broadway scheme received unanimous support from councillors last September and the Council's views were rubber-stamped by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott who gave the final go-ahead shortly afterwards. The amended planning application expected to be considered by councillors in June will also have to be submitted to Mr Prescott and Stannifer is aiming to complete the long-awaited shopping scheme by 2007 if it is approved.

Mary Frame, an executive member of Bradford Chamber of Trade, is jubilant about the increase in shopping, apartments and parking in the scheme.

She said: "It is absolutely wonderful and the Broadway scheme is something we can all look forward to."

Bradford Centre Regeneration (BCR), the joint venture company set up to breathe new life into the city, is known to have had reservations about last year's planning application. The masterplan commissioned by BCR and drawn up by international architect Wil Alsop had a differing vision of the shopping area.

The masterplan will be the base of all work done by BCR to bring about more regeneration in the heart of the city.

Mr Alsop's vision includes dramatic water features including a lake and boardwalk around City Hall, bridge of learning, housing and even more quality and diverse shopping.

The Broadway shopping scheme plans were drawn up before the city centre company was set up and the masterplan was created, and at one stage it seemed BCR would submit an objection to the planning application but it did not materialise.

BCR's chairman Maud Marshall said they welcomed the new application as a potential improvement.

"We have had discussions with the developers and their designers, " she said. "There is a good dialogue and we welcome what they say about the increase in retail."

Chairman of the city centre steering group Councillor Simon Cooke, who is also the authority's executive member for regeneration, said: "It is a positive sign that there is more retail and it is pleasing that they have put in so much work to improve the quality of the scheme and give it more sympathy with existing listed buildings."

Stannifer say their award-winning architects Benoy have divided the new-look Broadway scheme into "city blocks", each with a separate architect giving it a unique flavour. A row of apartments will also be included opposite Well Street and Little Germany.

Stannifer's development director Andy MacDonald said materials were an important aspect for the scheme.

"We are in discussions and looking at a variety of contemporary and complementary materials."

DEVELOPER'S OTHER SCHEMES.

Broadway developer Stannifer is based in Stratford-on-Avon and has offices in Glasgow and London.

One of Britain's biggest retail property companies, it has a £1 billion development programme dealing with major schemes including: . .Union Square, Aberdeen, shopping scheme . .Rushmere, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, retail complex . .Project Phoenix, High Wycombe, mixed development . .The Harvey Centre, Harlow, mainly retail scheme with some residential development.

A YEAR OF DEMOLITION WORKS.

Much of the bottom end of Bradford city centre will resemble a demolition site for the rest of this year and there will be constant roadworks as the £20 million project to prepare the site for the Broadway scheme continues.

The Connecting The City programme is being led by Bradford Council with Mowlem as the main contractors.

Cleckheaton-based controlled demolition is currently razing Forster House and Midland House to the ground.

In summer, demolition work will begin at Central House and Broadway, north of Charles Street.

Roadworks will begin at the Barkerend junction with Shipley Airedale Road and at Cheapside.

In autumn, properties between Well Street and Petergate and Hall Ings from Charles Street to Bank Street will be demolished.

Petergate and Lower Cheapside will be closed and New Cheapside will be opened between Manor Row and Canal Road.