Two massive regeneration projects have been unveiled in Bradford as part of a multi-million pound programme of investment by one of Northern Ireland's biggest property developers.

McGinnis Developments looked at several locations in England, including Manchester and Liverpool, but eventually decided that Bradford offered the most potential.

The Irish developers have plans for a landmark apartment scheme at the old Beehive Mill next to Bradford University.

The project would comprise of 500 apartments being built alongside 30,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space. The development would feature underground parking and a landmark tower at one of the most important gateways to the city.

And just a few miles away McGinnis also plans to transform a former wool warehouse, in the heart of Bradford's old financial district.

The Yorkshire stone Manor Buildings on Manor Row was constructed by Sir Titus Salt and is now used as offices.

McGinnis plans to transform the building into a mixed use apartment, restaurant and retail development that will retain the character and style of the original construction.

Company founder and chairman, John McGinnis decided to chose Bradford for his investment programme after visiting the city as part of an economic forum to advise on its future direction.

He was so impressed with what he saw in Bradford that he was determined to seek out opportunities in the region.

Mr McGinnis said: "We have looked long and hard at the opportunities and decided that Bradford and Yorkshire were the best places to base our mainland operation and start our first developments in the north of England.

"Bradford, we feel, is also on the verge of something big and the region has the advantage of a good supply of skilled construction and development professionals, which is important to us.

"We put a great deal of thought into our buildings and the people who will ultimately live and work there."

A spokesman for Bradford Centre Regeneration confirmed that applications had been lodged for developments in the city by McGinnis Developments.