Tyneside has the Angel of the North, Manchester has the B of the Bang and soon Bradford will have its very own sculptural landmark.

Money has been allocated to put up an eye-catching piece of artwork in Manningham as part of the city's regeneration programme.

The £110,000 icon will reflect the slogan of Bradford's Capital of Culture bid - One Landscape, Many Views - and will be sited at the junction of Manningham Lane and Hamm Strasse near the Sovereign Health Care building.

It has been funded by Bradford Council, Bradford Vision, Arts Council England, Yorkshire Forward and Manningham Means Business.

Steve Manthrop, special projects manager for Bradford Council, said: "We want this to be an iconic piece of art for the city and hope that it will capture people's imaginations and be a real focal point for Manningham."

The scheme is part of the Council's programme of regenerating gateway roads into the city centre and, if successful, could be mirrored at other entrances to the city.

Improvements to street lighting, furniture, bins and pavements have already been made to Leeds Road, Manchester Road and Manningham Lane.

Councillor Simon Cooke, executive member for regeneration, said: "We hope this will be the first of many artworks across Bradford which will serve as landmarks for visitors coming into the city. They should also have a strong connection to the communities around these roads."

Three artists have been shortlisted to submit designs; they are: Peter Layton, brought up in Manningham, Bradford but now based in London; Walter Jack, based in Bristol and Noah Rose and Michael Trainor based in Manchester.

"We would have loved to use a Bradford artist but unfortunately we don't have anybody experienced enough in this field," said Mr Manthrop. "But we will be offering the opportunity to Bradford artists to be involved and work alongside the chosen artist."

Mr Layton said: "I am very excited about the prospect of working in Bradford again. I am very fond of the city and would love to have the opportunity to design the work."

The artists will be working with Bradford community groups, schools and businesses to ensure people's views are reflected in the designs.

"The involvement of the community in the development of the design is really important," said Coun Cooke.

As part of the public consultation, the artists will visit Cartwright Hall on February 16 from 10am to 4pm to talk to the community.