Dozens of high-fliers have applied for a £120,000-a-year job to ''put the buzz back'' into jaded Bradford city centre.

Whoever clinches the key job will be chief executive of a new company being set up to make Bradford a top British city.

The officer will head a project aiming to draw in £1billion worth of investment.

Shortlisting is now taking place for the appointment which will begin when the new Urban Regeneration Company takes over shortly from a temporary shadow set-up.

The chief executive would have a small but expert staff working for a joint venture company set up by Bradford Council and Government regeneration agency York-shire Forward.

They have agreed to each put £20m in the company which would be used for setting up and triggering major investments.

Contenders for the job of making it all happen have been told they will be expected to "put the buzz back'' into Bradford.

The job description reads: "More famous in recent years for our troubles than our successes, we want to move quickly.

"We can't afford any less. Our city needs a heart, a vibrant centre to bring us together.

"Bradford is Britain's fourth largest metropolitan authority - yet you wouldn't know it.

"We want to kick-start Bradford's city centre renewal and bring in up to £1bn of private sector investment.

"We'll see new levels of investor confidence and developer activity, creating the environment to tempt investment, business, visitors and residents."

John Ansbro, interim project manager of the shadow company, said shortlisting was starting and they hoped to make an appointment this month.

The applicants are from both the public and private sector and have previously worked with major regeneration projects.

Sir Graham Hall, interim chairman of the company's shadow board, said: "We have received very good applications and will have an excellent shortlist."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton - also a board member - said: "It is a very important post.

"We are looking for a competent and experienced person and recognise that we will have to pay for this."

The Council's executive member for regeneration Councillor Simon Cooke said: "If the URC is to succeed we require a very high- calibre chief executive.

"I look forward to a quick decision."

But he added the first priority was to appoint experts who would draw up a masterplan for the city which would illustrate where building blocks should start.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutclife said: "This will be a key appointment which will determine whether Bradford turns itself round or not."

The permanent board will be private sector-led and the Council will have the minority of places.