It’s 9pm, the streets are bustling, there are bright lights, busy restaurants – and a buzz in the air.

This description is one which, at present, does not represent Bradford – but that could be about to change.

Moves are afoot to inject the city centre with that sense of vibrancy typical of many cities the size of Bradford, particularly with the boost that is now certain to arrive with the city centre’s Westfield development.

“Any successful city has a successful night and day-time economy,” says Bradford Council leader Councillor David Green. “They may be different and attract different clientele, but to be successful you have to have both.”

You need to offer a place where people come to work and to shop, and to visit other attractions such as galleries and social spaces. I don’t think anyone would claim that we have a sufficient range to attract the sort of numbers and diversity of people that we want to attract for a successful night-time economy.”

He adds: “We have theatres and shows and City Park, but we don’t have that ‘offer’ which keeps people here such as restaurants and other social activity.”

Bradford Council is working closely with traders and investors to encourage that much more diverse experience to visitors.

City Park has proved its worth in reigniting the city centre on an evening. “This is particularly true in spring and summer, and the park attracted 20,000 people for the Christmas lights switch-on,” says Coun Green. “The trick is keeping people here, and getting them to spend money.”

It is not just the nightclub scene for younger people, he adds. “We need something that will attract people into Bradford for a meal, then the theatre or cinema.

“We have got great restaurants in Bradford, but few in the city centre. We have Leeds Road, Great Horton Road, and Whetley Hill, with the best Asian restaurants in the world but we need more diversity – people want to have a choice and we are building towards that.

Last year the night-time leisure economy was given a boost as pubs, hotels and restaurants took on 44 new staff. This came thanks to the City Centre Growth Zone, part of a £35 million initiative funded by Bradford Council and the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. Eligible businesses can receive rate rebates if they demonstrate that they are creating new jobs in the city centre. Among those recruiting were Forster’s Bistro and Deli, the Midland Hotel, Omar Khan’s, Candy Nightclub and Jacob’s Well pub.

The Westfield shopping centre will, it is believed, have a knock-on effect, and attract people who will remain in the city centre after shops have closed to enjoy a drink, a meal or entertainment.

“I think the centre will lead to later opening of restaurants and other facilities in the city centre,” says Coun Green.

Colin Philpott, the chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough – the lobbying group representing the senior leaders of Bradford’s major private sector and public sector organisations – says: “It is a chicken-and-egg situation. There is not sufficient footfall to bring in restaurants, and not enough restaurants to attract more footfall. We think that now Westfield is under way there is an opportunity to address that. The knowledge of Westfield will make it easier to attract people to invest.”

The group is approaching restaurateurs with existing businesses, asking them to think about the city centre. “There are considerable incentives and suitable premises available.”

When talking of reviving the night-time economy, Coun Green is aware of the balance to be struck in terms of increased activity and issues surrounding safety and noise. “People want to feel safe in the city centre and feel relaxed about being here.”

Finding the right balance is crucial. “For instance,” says Coun Green, “People living in the city centre don’t want the noise of cleaning wagons waking them up, but they want clean streets. This is something both the Council and developers need to think more bout.”

The successful crime-busting partnership City Centre Beat operates alongside partners including Bradford Police and Bradford Council to reduce offending in the evening and at night.

Transport also has to be addressed. “Do we need a night-time economy to make it worthwhile for bus companies, or do we need a service in place to encourage people to come?”, adds Coun Green.

“It is bringing all this together, on top of what we are doing to regenerate the daytime economy. They go hand-in-glove.”