A BRADFORD casino and restaurant is betting on a bright future for the city if plans for a Business Improvement District get the go-ahead later this year.

Jane Dodd, general manager of Napoleon’s, in Bolton Road, says the proposed BID would bring businesses together to create a legacy for the future.

The BID area has recently been extended to include the Bolton Road area with the backing of Napoleon’s and other local businesses.

“Napoleons are proud to support the BID, as a business that has been in Bradford since 1979, and the regeneration of the city is close to our hearts,” said Mrs Dodd.

“We hope the BID will help develop a more attractive environment for visitors and residents which will complement the amazing developments already taking place.”

More than 600 city centre-based businesses and organisations - including local and national retailers, leisure and hospitality firms, professional and legal services companies and others - will be balloted on whether the BID should go ahead in September.

If the ballot is successful, they will all pay a levy which will raise more than £2.5 million over the five years of the scheme to pay for projects to improve the city centre.

Mrs Dodd said the BID could bring significant benefits: “We hope to see a safer and more attractive environment to bring people in to the city centre.

“It’s been good to see the arrival of The Broadway at the bottom of Bolton Road and the feelgood factor it has brought to Bradford and we hope we’ll see it become a destination city.”

She urged other companies to get behind the BID project and vote in its favour when the ballot takes place.

“Businesses should be proud to support the BID. We believe it is a great opportunity for businesses to come together for the benefit of everyone creating a legacy for the future,” she said.

Ian Ward, chairman of the BID Development Board, said: “We’re really grateful to receive such strong support from Napoleon’s.

“It’s already an important part of Bradford’s evening and night-time economy, drawing people in to enjoy its facilities from around the district as well as being a significant venue for entertaining visitors.”

Napoleon’s Casino & Restaurant, in Bolton Road, has been open since October 1979 and employs around 100 people. It is owned by A&S Leisure Group, a family-run, Yorkshire-based business.