EXCLUSIVE by Tanya O’Rourke T&A Reporter Retail giant Westfield has taken “an important step” to reviving its Broadway shopping scheme by revealing it is about to submit a revised planning application.

A spokesman for the company said it had made a series of changes to the original scheme to make it “more market relevant and deliverable” after the project was stalled by the economic downturn.

The mothballed plans for the site were for a £320 million complex, expected to open in 2008, which included Debenhams as a major tenant, 80 other shops, 171 apartments, offices, restaurants and 2,500 car parking spaces.

Permission was also granted for a 120-bedroom hotel.

It is believed the new plans are for a smaller development.

Details of the plans have not yet been finalised but there will be a public exhibition in the city in July where people can find out more about the proposals.

Duncan Bower, director of development and asset management at Westfield, said: “We appreciate it has been frustrating for the people of Bradford that the Broadway development has taken longer to come forward than anyone would have liked.

“However, Westfield has always believed that a scheme could be brought forward and the consultation and prospective planning application are important steps towards reviving the scheme.

“We have discussed our initial thoughts with Bradford Council and we are shortly about to submit a planning application.

“A crucial step in doing this is to consult with the public about the plans and we urge people to get involved and have their say.

“The amendments to the scheme are still being worked through and the details will be announced as soon as possible. However, the fundamentals of the project remain the same.

“This scheme will provide a high-quality shopping environment anchored by major national retailers and will provide a major boost to the local economy.”

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