Bradford Council chiefs have reiterated their commitment to creating a mirror pool city park, saying they hope to move swiftly to secure funding and keep the scheme on the same 2011 timetable.

Those behind the bid to the Lottery's Living Landmarks programme were left "angry and confused" after it failed to win support from judges two weeks ago.

Instead the Council pledged to keep the project alive and look for the cash elsewhere.

The launch of a foundation to help raise £3 million towards the scheme was set up by Michael Ziff, the chairman and chief executive of Bradford shoe giant Stylo - backed by businesses, the Council and regeneration bosses.

The Council is hoping negotiations with regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, will help secure the remaining funding of about £22m.

At today's special executive meeting, regeneration portfolio holder Councillor Andrew Mallinson thanked chief executive Tony Reeves, staff and residents who backed the scheme.

He said: "It wasn't a failed bid. These people threw their weight behind that ball and actually belted it into the back of the net. What happened though was we had a referee who didn't agree.

"Within 24 hours of getting the news the chief executive had met Yorkshire Forward to discuss how we move forward because it is such a significant project for Bradford city centre.

"It's important for the cohesion of the district, to being people together and to create a fun place for people. It will bring benefits to the economy of Bradford. It will be significant to the region nationally and probably within Europe too.

"Fourteen days on and a lot of conversations have taken place and we now have overwhelming support from the business sector to find a way. Bradford needs to champion this."

Members agreed to approve in principle to fund the cost of developing the project through to detailed design stage and for Mr Reeves to conclude negotiations with Yorkshire Forward and English Partnerships.

Council leader Kris Hopkins asked for a further report to be brought to the executive's next meeting on Tuesday, December 18, to outline the costs and delivery of the project as well as an alternative funding strategy.

After the meeting Labour group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "I welcome the fact that it would appear some money is to be forthcoming to undertake some major public realm works.

"Clearly we want something that reflects the importance of the space for Bradford and the prestige of the ongoing developments around. I am not in a position to talk about the details until we see them."

And Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said she was pleased that Yorkshire Forward was talking about stumping up some money to pay for the project. She said: "I am concerned though about the knock-on effect. If it gives £20m towards the park, will that mean other projects in Bradford suffer?"

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