Plans for an interactive learning mall' in the heart of the city centre have been unveiled by Bradford College.

The college has announced plans to take up space in the flagship development on the former Odeon Cinema site, creating a gateway between the college and the city centre.

The plans were drawn up as part of the Langtree Group and Artisan's winning bid, which details a 20,000 sq ft space for the college in New Victoria Place.

The blueprint for the site includes a bustling leisure environment where students will be able to get on-the-job training for vocational courses.

Away from the classroom, students will deliver commercial services to the public in a caf, hair and beauty salons, travel agency and an interactive digital centre, as part of courses in hair dressing, beauty therapy, travel and tourism, hospitality, catering and sport. They will be supervised by tutors.

The digital centre is to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as a 3D projection screen, which will be used by tutors to teach elsewhere on campus while being projected in 3D for people in the learning mall.

The cost of the development has yet to be assessed, but the college aims to secure funding from property assets and grants from the Learning and Skills Council, the Higher Education Funding Council, European funding and private sector investment.

Michele Sutton, the College's principal and chief executive, said: "Bradford College wants to play a part in the rebirth of Bradford and we feel we have a key role to play in the city's future success. Our plans for the Odeon site will allow the college to have a greater presence and interaction with the city centre.

"The new development would not only contribute to the success of learners but also attract more students to the district.

"It will also make learning more accessible to a wider audience by giving people the opportunity to experience a vibrant new way of learning.

"With the learning mall we are trying to create something that nobody would typically expect from a college.

"When people think of a college most would conjure up images of classrooms with rows of desks and a tutor talking at the front, but the reality is that today's learning experience is far from that.

"At Bradford College we are already planning ahead so we can lead the way in the use of new innovations and technology to enhance college life."

e-mail: nishika.patel @bradford.newsquest.co.uk