Bradford is set to push ahead with its plans to turn over the running of the city centre to a public-private partnership.

If given the go-ahead next week by the Council's executive committee, the search will begin for a high-profile chief executive to breathe new life into the city centre. He or she would be expected to be recruited in the autumn.

The aim is to draw in large amounts of funding, attract major shopping chains and businesses and become a magnet for visitors.

The radical plan follows extensive surveys of the city centre by Bradford Council followed by a report from the assistant director of regeneration, Richard Willoughby. He told the executive committee in January that Bradford could not "pull its weight" compared with other cities. A main reason was the shopping on offer and the lack of major stores.

The recently-launched 2020 vision - making long-term plans for the district - saw the city centre as pivotal to its success.

MrWilloughby will tell committee members next Wednesday that doing nothing is not an option.

If the committee gives the go-ahead, the non-profit making company will be a membership organisation, with admission by subscription. The group could include retailers, investors and developers, lawyers, accountants, building societies, banks, hotel, leisure and tourism operators, property agents and transport bodies.

It would have an agreed list of objectives which could include tackling cleanliness and crime, an events programme and improving the city's image. Staff would probably be drawn mainly from the Council and could include cleansing and the existing city centre management staff.

Executive committee member for regeneration Councillor Dave Green said: "We will continue to consult and fine-tune our proposals to ensure we get things right from the start.''

And chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group Jeff Frankel said: "The sooner, the better for it to be set up and running.''

e-mail: olwen.vasey@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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