Bradford's regeneration took another step forward yesterday as giant cranes moved in to demolish a derelict warehouse on Leeds Road.

The former wool warehouse in the Barkerend area was scheduled for demolition after surveyors began to fear for public safety in the area.

And now regeneration bosses are searching for developers to come up with bright ideas for the site's future.

John Gray, head of Bradford Council's building control services, said the structure of the 140-year-old warehouse at 200 Leeds Road was unsafe and riddled with wet and dry rot.

Mr Gray said: "It is a shame that this building has to come down, but its demolition is the only option to ensure public safety in the area.

The privately-owned listed building had lain empty for more than ten years after fire damaged the roof and upper storeys.

However regeneration bosses in the area anticipate a bright future for the site and are now looking for potential developers to come up with ideas for the area's future.

Michael Warr, of Regen 2000, said: "We are encouraging people with any ideas as to how this site could be developed to come forward. It's a great site, surrounded by historic buildings and has a lot of potential.

"We could potentially part-finance or match-finance proposals for the area if they met our funding criteria.

"From a regeneration perspective we would like to see a development which would generate employment, beautify the area and raise the quality of life for people living and working in the area."

Councillor Simon Cooke, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "This is a significant site and there is a lot of opportunity for development, whether it be housing, commercial or mixed use. What matters is we get a quality piece of architecture on the site."

Work has now begun on clearing the site of rubble, which will then be levelled and covered with soil and seeds.

The city-bound section of Leeds

Road was closed from 6am till 4pm to allow the demolition work to take place. Carroll Street, which runs by the side of the site, will be closed until March 11.