Businesses and workers in one of Bradford's key regeneration areas will receive a boost this week with the launch of a new facility to help boost training and employment.

Regen2000 is launching a business shop incorporating an internet caf, employment link centre, start-up business support, social enterprise agency and skills training centre.

Regen2000 hopes the £500,000-plus scheme will provide a one-stop shop for people looking to find new opportunities in careers and those hoping to set up their own firms.

It will be officially unveiled at a ceremony on Friday attended by Bradford South MP and Department of Trade and Industry Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

The two-storey building will employ 15 full-time staff and is expected to create a valuable resource for those living and working in the Bradford 3 postcode area.

The facility, in Leeds Road, brings together a range of agencies and training providers including Yorkshire Forward, Bradford Council, Royds Community Association and Business Link.

Today Mohammed Shaukat, chairman of the Regen2000 regeneration agency, hailed the new facility as a "major move forward in terms of sustainable economic regeneration" for the district.

"This is a major landmark within the achievements of Regen2000 to provide sustainable economic regeneration for the local community," he said. "All of the projects involved have one common aim - to create more jobs in the community by helping the area develop and grow in a sustainable manner."

He said the "ultimate goal" was to ensure there was a strong basis for the future economy of the area once the Regen2000 funding ended.

He added: "It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage by both Regen2000 and the partnership groups, and we are very proud of what we know will be a significant benefit to the people in our area."

Following the official launch, the business shop, located at 524 Leeds Road, will be fully up-and-running by Monday, December 8.