PURCHASING privately-owned empty shops could be one way of helping the regeneration of Bradford city centre, councillors have been told.

Members of the regeneration and economy overview and scrutiny committee discussed the potential move in a ‘carrot and stick’ scenario to encourage more businesses to move in.

The committee was looking at a progress report into the city centre regeneration programme where councillors heard that footfall had increased in the city centre since the opening of The Broadway, though this had been at the expense of areas such as Darley Street and Kirkgate.

There was also concerns for the Oastler Market where shoppers have left in droves following the closure of the Morrison’s store in April.

The committee was told the 15,000 shoppers who used to visit the Oastler Market each week now number fewer than 5,000.

Chris Wolstenholme, Bradford Council's markets manager, said he was working with Morrisons to try to secure an ‘end user’ for the site and until this is determined, a planned £3.8 million regeneration of the area has been put on hold.

Clare Wilkinson, economic development programmes manager said while there had been a decrease in footfall in Darley Street and Kirkgate by about a quarter, Market Street had seen an 82 per cent increase.

The figures were taken from April to June and compared to last year.

She said consideration to increase the footfall to the top of town was needed and several schemes and incentives were in place, such as a rent reduction and help with marketing and promotion.

“We are also hoping to see architectural improvements to some of the listed buildings at the top of the town and have made an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Townscape Heritage Initiative.

"Works will focus on the restoration and improvement of building frontages, including shop fronts. We hope to know if we are successful by January,” she said.

The committee heard there were problems with some privately-owned buildings which needed repair but it was not known who owned all of them. Those who were known were not willing to restore them and the council could only go so far in serving repair notices.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson (Con, Craven) said businesses were being encouraged into areas where buildings opposite had pigeons flying in and out of broken windows.

“We could look at compulsory purchase,” he said.

“We have to make an example of some of them and I want to see a plan of action.”

Members were told incentives were being used as a carrot to try to attract new businesses but Cllr Mallinson asked: “When is the big stick coming along?”

Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) agreed there were too many dilapidated and derelict privately-owned properties in the centre.

“There has to be a willingness to make an example of some of these people,” he said.

Councillor David Green (Lab, Wibsey) suggested dropping the term ‘compulsory’ suggesting it could lead to over-inflated estimates.

He also asked that marketing the city to residents in Halifax and the Calder Valley be looked at after visitor numbers were ‘significantly’ increased into Forster Square station but not at the Interchange.

A progress report will be given to the committee in six months.

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