It was a remarkably encouraging story we were able to tell just a month ago when the head of Middlesex-based company Summertime Properties, Manoj Raithatha, promised he would return to Bradford with his chequebook to add more luxury apartments to the £10million-worth he had already bought "off-plan" in Byron Halls, Bradford, Victoria Mills, Shipley, and at Lister's Mill.

At the time Mr Raithatha dubbed Bradford a "swanky, trendy city" and said he believed it was now a key investment area which was on the up and up.

It is good to be able to report that the tycoon who has already invested heavily in Leeds, Hull and Sheffield has put his money where his mouth is and bought up, at a cost of nearly £20 million, the entire 105 apartments being built in one of the three new buildings being created at the £70 million Victoria Mills complex between Shipley and Saltaire.

This is a strong endorsement of the district as a desirable place to live. The development of Victoria Mills continues the improvements which have already taken place alongside the canal and River Aire between Salts Mill and the centre of Shipley.

The popularity of this development should have a beneficial effect not only on the World Heritage Site village but also on the whole of Shipley as people move in and help to support the local businesses. It is the latest stage in an ongoing regeneration of an area which, with Baildon Moor and woodland as its backdrop, has a tremendous amount of potential.