The large number of empty shops in the city centre continues to be an area of concern for Bradford. The only growth areas seem to be bookies, bingo and amusement arcades.

Many will view with mixed feelings the news that two businessmen want to open up a bar on North Parade.

The argument will be that the retail heart of Bradford needs more shops rather than pubs to inject renewed life and vigour into it.

But if the pair behind the proposal for The Sparrow are as good as their word, then its arrival has to be seen as a positive move.

They are certainly pitching it as much more than just a cheap drinking place. Instead what they are aiming at is a continental-style cafe bar, serving a wide range of beers and deli-style food.

And they claim it will not be a rowdy city centre bar, but a ‘sophisticated’ venue, with an emphasis on film, music and the arts.

The Licensing Panel, which next week meets to decide whether to grant the venue a licence or not, will have to judge whether this is the sort of venue the city needs.

There is a strong argument to say that any sort of business is preferable to leaving a shopfront empty. But taking that to its logical conclusion would probably mean more arcades, bookies and bingo, along with more pound outlets and charity shops.

However, this would be potentially more than just another pub and, if successful, it would be the sort of venue that would bring people into the city in the evenings and on weekends.

The real question is, will people support such a venue and help to make it a success?

Let’s hope so, because this is exactly the sort of forward thinking business we need to help our city centre get back on its feet.