Developers of the planned £200 million Broadway shopping complex said today they were in detailed negotiations with a national retailer over a major department store in the scheme.

The business consortium planning the vast scheme at the bottom end of the city is also about to apply to Bradford Council for orders closing Petergate and Cheapside when it intends to start building the scheme in less than two years.

It proposes to replace eyesore 1960s buildings in Broadway, Petergate, and parts of Cheapside, as well as Central House, with a modern retail development.

Compulsory purchase orders are now being served on the owners of about 60 city centre shops which will be demolished in order for the scheme to proceed.

The premises are mainly occupied by tenants, who are in talks with the company and Council about relocation. There will also be discussions about the alternative of compensation.

Richard Weatherhead, director of the Forster Square Development Partnership, said the company was also continuing to negotiate with the owners who have been served CPOs.

The road closure orders are the next major step as the partnership works towards a start date for the shopping mall.

It would include more than 60 shops, two public squares, a cinema and more than 1,200 parking places.

The busy road at Petergate would be swallowed up by the scheme and the block of shops and offices would be demolished, leaving historic Little Germany opened up to the city.

People will be able to object to the road closure notices if they wish, as soon as they are advertised.

Objections could lead to a public inquiry.

Mr Weatherhead said: "We are in detailed negotiation with a major company over the department store and are in discussions with other big shopping chains about location in the centre.

"A number of existing businesses have also said they are interested in coming into the scheme."

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group, Jeff Frankel said: "When it happens it will be a boost to Bradford."