A Bradford charity is bidding to create a traditional Arabic marketplace in the city to boost jobs, the economy and tourism.

Not-for-profit development agency QED-UK has submitted an ambitious funding bid to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to build a souk.

The bustling marketplaces are a feature of Arabian countries, drawing in thousands of tourists a year in Morocco and Dubai, where visitors haggle to purchase assorted goods, from foods and spices to clothes and trinkets.

QED’s plans are for a souk covering 60,000 sq ft, which would create more than 500 jobs.

Dr Mohammed Ali, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Rather than dreary shopping malls, souks are colourful, noisy, fascinating, inspired places to be. There’s a unique, authentic, raw quality to souks.

“It’s such an exciting idea for Bradford.”

He said the city souk would specialise in providing retail space to small businesses and retailers of “novel and high-quality products”, providing a launch pad for new businesses and for people taking up self-employment. There would also be space for people to design and manufacture products at the souk, including providing demonstrations of their skill to the public.

Dr Ali said the project would have a knock-on effect on Bradford’s tourism and hospitality industries.

He said: “It’s time Bradford was re-energised with a radically innovative approach. We’re hoping there will be a groundswell of support for our proposals. A souk is a fantastic way to bring visitors to the north of England from all over the world to experience a unique shopping experience. It’s a chance to really celebrate the diverse culture the city offers and to put Bradford firmly on the map in a positive, thriving way.”

He said he hoped residents would back the idea.

  • Read the full story Tuesday’s T&A