Details and images of Bradford's proposed World Mile shopping destination are nearly ready.

A document, due to be released to the public in two weeks, sets out a vision for the transformation of an area running from Ivegate up Westgate and onto White Abbey Road.

The project is designed to create a specialist and culturally focused shopping and leisure destination, with the World Mile becoming a city centre zone with its own unique identity.

Images within the vision document bring the plans to life and show how the area will have a distinctive public realm and gateway feature. Improvements would involve widening footpaths and the introduction of trees and distinct street signs.

Shop front facelifts, to be carried out in partnership with existing owners and occupiers, will help to create a unifying theme.

The World Mile idea, first mooted five years ago, was taken up in Will Alsop's Bradford Masterplan and further developed in the Market Neighbourhood Development framework.

Arshad Javed, chief executive of Asian Trades Link (ATL), said the project was being spearheaded by ATL with backing from partners including Bradford Centre Regeneration.

Mr Javed said ATL had consulted widely on White Abbey Road and had found there was a "great passion" for the project. He said the World Mile concept would boost trade for existing shops while encouraging new businesses to set up in the area.

Mr Javed said: "We want to make this area a shopping destination not just in Bradford but for people from abroad and the rest of the country.

"We are at a stage where we have consulted with the community and businesses and have talked about this with a number of partners and have developed a vision in the shape of some drawings showing how this area will eventually look.

"The images show gateway features, footpath widening, improved lighting, parking areas and greenery."

The vision is already boosting investor interest in White Abbey Road, with a number of specialist developments underway or in the pipeline.

Last week, the Telegraph & Argus revealed how Bombay Stores had bought the former Melborn pub and was planning to turn it into a franchise outlet, with a Middle Eastern jewellers, fusion restaurant, a beauty salon and wedding shop.

Vaseem Kader, store manager for Bombay Stores, said: "The idea of the World Mile was in our minds when we bought the Melborn.

"The plan is helping to create more confidence and excitement in the area."

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "It's an extremely interesting concept for Bradford. We have designated an area for multi-cultural products - food or manufacturing.

"It's about celebrating diversity and it will not just be seen as a retail area in Bradford but a tourist attraction."

Maud Marshall, chief executive of BCR, said: "The World Mile project is about creating a specialist leisure and retail destination that celebrates and reflects the unique personality and character of Bradford.

"BCR has been working closely with the local business community and supporting agencies to create a unique shopping and leisure experience. The World Mile plans are designed to promote cosmopolitan Bradford, setting the city apart from others in the UK."

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk