The news that over 50 potential developers have expressed an interest in the Vicar Lane site is extremely encouraging. It is hardly surprising, however. This is in a prime location with excellent access for both motorists and pedestrians, adjacent to both the city-centre by-pass and the bus and railway stations. It is a superb, central development site which could be the key to Bradford's future.

It was most disappointing when the original plan for the site fell through because of a change in policy by the backers of the developers. The idea of a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley and other leisure facilities, along with extensive car parking, was just what Bradford needs.

A scheme of that nature would be the ideal way to improve the profile of the city centre and help to brighten and enliven it. It would encourage families into it in the evenings and at weekends, and serve as a catalyst for further developments and improvements spreading out from that area.

It is to be hoped that among those 50 interested parties is someone who has proposals which would enable something similar to be achieved.

Once the Council has sifted through the contenders and produced a short-list of genuinely viable proposals, we would urge it to put the issue out to public consultation.

It is the people of Bradford who will be expected to use the facilities on this extremely important site. It is only sensible and fair that they should have their say to give them a stake in its success.

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