Bradford Council has helped three new businesses to open in Bradford city centre by awarding grants totalling £188,000.

Part of the Council’s City Centre Growth Scheme, the funding will assist the businesses to create 30 new jobs in the city centre and bring three vacant properties back into use.

The companies are investing £ 450,000 into the three projects.

Airobounce, a family amusement centre to be located in the former Mecca Bingo hall on Little Horton Lane and Remy International Ltd, a new wine bar and bistro on Broadway, will receive £108,000 in business rates relief. A Chinese restaurant on North Parade, Noodle Sing, has secured a capital grant and rates rebate totalling £80,000.

Since its launch in 2012, the City Centre Growth Scheme has assisted 226 businesses to open or expand within the city centre.

Designed to support the enterprising nature of the district, the scheme has helped 48 new start-ups within a designated area of Bradford. The initiative has been recognised by government for its role in creating the right environment for business growth.

Last year, Bradford was named the best city in the UK to start a business by analysts from Barclays bank.

The City Centre Business Growth Scheme will run until March, 2020.

Due to the scheme’s success, a similar programme, the District Growth Scheme, has been developed to cover the rest of the Bradford district.

Coun Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We are delighted to see another three new businesses set up in Bradford city centre.

“They will make important contributions to Bradford’s rapidly expanding food, drink and leisure offer, and provide valuable jobs.

“There’s been a lot of demand for a restaurant on North Parade since the bar scene developed there so we’re very pleased to be supporting Noodle Sing.

“The City Centre Growth and District Growth Schemes are part of a wider package designed to boost investment, skills and jobs across Bradford district.”