THE decision by a property developer to try to convert an empty site earmarked for a bar and restaurant use into flats is oddly-timed, to say the least.

In just a few months, the long-awaited Westfield development on the Broadway site will finally open its doors.

And that will open up the city like never before, bringing Little Germany, where the empty site is located, closer to the heart of things.

Flat Invest believes that the restaurants and bar spaces being offered in the new shopping centre will see any potential businesses move there instead of taking on its empty development on Vicar Lane.

The counter-argument, though, and what most who care about the city hope and believe will happen, is the the arrival at last of the new multi-million shopping centre in the heart of Bradford will not suck in every potential investor, but will instead revitalise the whole area. That can already be seen in a number of areas around the city, including North Parade, the Sunbridge underground development, and new bars planned around the Alhambra.

While the developers have no doubt looked at the market, it would surely make more sense to at least wait a further six months or so and see what happens when Westfield finally opens.

If the revitalisation effect is as spectacular and far-reaching as many believe it will be, they may regret giving up what could end up a prime spot in a new thriving independent quarter.