KEYS have been handed over to the anchor stores at The Broadway shopping centre in Bradford after the completion of internal construction work, it was announced today.

Units are now being taken up by the retailers, with Marks & Spencer and Debenhams starting the process of fitting out the stores.

The £260 million hopping centre, the largest in the country to open this year, is now more than 80 per cent let.

As well as the two department store giants, other tenants include Superdry, H&M, Next, Topshop, Topman, New Look, Schuh, The Entertainer, Paperchase and River Island.

There is now fewer than 50 days until it opens on November 5.

Steve King, M&S Bradford store manager, said: “It’s great to finally be able to put our own stamp on our new store at The Broadway and really make it our own.

"M&S Bradford will provide customers with a great new shopping experience and we look forward to unveiling the details of our new local offer and welcoming customers into the store.”

Craig Baldock, Debenhams store manager, said: “We’re really excited to show customers what we’ve been working so hard on in the store.

"We’re looking forward to bringing lots of exciting new designer brands to Bradford and hope people can join us on opening day to celebrate.”

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Bradford Council leader, Councillor David Green, said: "The excitement is mounting as it really isn't long now to the grand opening and it's good to hear that the retailers are now fitting out their stores and preparing for the big day.

"Since it is the largest retail centre to open in the UK this year, I think everyone is very much looking forward to seeing what The Broadway development looks like inside."