A new store that could bring in as many as 20,000 customers a day was today welcomed as a major boost for part of Bradford city centre.

Boyes, a family business which already has 45 successful shops across the north of England, is to take over the North Parade premises soon to be vacated by Christopher Pratts furniture store.

The company has a £45 million a year turnover with sales of a wide range of products, including household wares, haberdashery and clothes at budget prices.

Managing director Andrew Boyes, whose great grandfather founded the company, said the Scarborough store, which was about the same size as the new one in Bradford, served between 15,000 and 20,000 customers a day.

He said they could not give an opening date because some building work was needed.

"But we hope to open as quickly as possible," he said. "We are looking forward to coming to Bradford because we can offer something different from other retailers."

Bradford Council's executive member for the economy, Councillor Simon Cooke, said today he was pleased the building would not stay empty and believed Boyes would draw people into North Parade.

But, he said, he was disappointed that Pratts was moving out.

"They wanted a new, modern store. We tried to persuade them to stay in Bradford but we couldn't," he said.

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group, Jeff Frankel, said: "It is a shame to see a long established shop leaving Bradford for Leeds but I hope Boyes have a successful time and do well."

Pratts contracts division at Cheapside - which provides office furniture - will remain until demolition of the 1960s buildings for the major Broadway shopping development in the city. It will then seek a new base in Bradford.

The first Christopher Pratt opened his first shop in Brumfitt's yard in Kirkgate, Bradford, more than 150 years ago. He set up the business after learning the skills of cabinet making.

After that his son, Thomas, grandson, Christopher, and great grandson David, were managing directors or chairmen of the company.

This week the company sent out letters to customers saying: "After 158 years of business, we unfortunately have to close our premises in Bradford. We will be continuing to operate from a brand new larger store opening soon in Leeds city centre.

"All our staff will be making the exciting move to the new store but we cannot possibly transfer the £2 million of stock."

A closing down sale will start on Saturday, February 15.