Five "high quality" supermarkets are believed to be vying for a place in Bingley's proposed £8 million shopping centre.

Developer 4Urban says it will sign with the best bidder as stores, thought to include Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, battle it out for space in the Myrtle Walk 5Rise complex.

Richard Holmes, a partner in 4Urban, said: "We have strong interest in the supermarket space from five operators. They will be quality supermarkets, not Netto or Lidl. We will be going with the best offer."

The centre, which will be built on the Myrtle Walk site, could start to take shape in the next few months as Bradford Council planners look set to determine the plans on Thursday, December 13.

Mr Holmes said: "Everybody wants to see something happen. A number of people want to see a replica of Craven Court in Skipton - full of twee shops made of stone.

"We have had some quite off-the-wall comments, with people saying things like the development will create a wind tunnel which I am a bit surprised at, as it is like that already.

"We are determined to make it work. People might not like the place, but they have to ask is this right for the revitalisation of Bingley?' If they look at it objectively they will say it is."

The plans will be available for viewing at Bingley Library until next Friday.

The £8 million development includes:

  • four storeys with 86 flats, which will include some affordable housing
  • a basement to house the town's library
  • ground floor shops
  • 31 apartments and storage for shops on the first floor
  • 50 apartments on the second and third floor
  • five flats on the fourth floor
  • a mall, linking Main Street with Chapel Walk. The car park across the road will remain and parking for cyclists is planned.

e-mail: mel.fairhurst@bradford.newsquest.co.uk