Buy now while stocks last because property prices in Bradford are set to soar over the next decade.

That was the urgent message from the city's regeneration bosses to developers at a special briefing.

Bradford City Regeneration's chief executive, Maud Marshall, told developers they should consider investing in the city sooner rather than later. Outlining the bold vision behind the radical masterplan drawn up to transform the city centre by Alsop Architects, Mrs Marshall said: "The big idea is to use the public realm as a catalyst for growth.

"By exploiting Bradford's topography and demolishing some unwanted buildings erected in the 1960s and 70s, we can create a new city park that will reveal the city's glorious architectural heritage."

She said the new park in the masterplan would stimulate economic growth and predicted that property prices could rise by more than 50 per cent over the next ten years.

She said "development frameworks" were being drawn up for the four neighbourhoods identified in the plan. A developers' design guide was being prepared for the city centre to ensure consistency and quality.

"We are exploring new investment potential to augment the £45 million start-up funds from the public sector and we are looking at tackling the image of the city which we feel is a major barrier," she said.

Mrs Marshall told developers at the Leeds briefing that a new half-million square foot shopping centre was being developed by Stannifer at 7 Broadway, Manningham Mills were being converted and 1,500 new homes were being earmarked for the city centre.

Bradford Council deputy chief executive David Kennedy underlined the authority's strong support for the BCR programme. He assured developers that the council would make every effort to smooth the way for those wishing to invest in Bradford within the framework of the masterplan.

"Values are already rising," said Mr Kennedy. "Now is the time to consider investing in a city with a bright future."