A piazza serving the cuisine of six countries will now be a main feature of a huge leisure development in the heart of Bradford.

A recent survey by developers J J Gallagher shows there are currently about 7,000 office workers - including employees at the St James business park opposite the new development - just six or seven minutes' walk away from the site of the former Vicar Lane car park.

A multi-screen cinema, Hollywood Bowl and health and fitness facilities are being built on the site, which was previously owned by Bradford Council.

But agents announced today that the food piazza would be a main feature - and approaches from three restaurateurs were now with solicitors.

Gerwyn Bryan, regional principal with property agents Dunlop Heywood, said negotiations were also taking place with two other companies that wanted to open up in the piazza.

He said he expects to attract large numbers of city-centre workers at lunchtime, as well as the public during the evening and at different times of the day.

Mr Bryan said: "We are delighted with the response from restaurateurs to the creation of a destination-food piazza."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said she was delighted to see the progress of the Leisure Exchange.

She added: "It has been said that there is not sufficient variety in restaurants in the city centre and this will be a boost both for the workers and people outside."

The whole development is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with facilities opening next spring.

The restaurants will serve dishes from countries including South Africa, Mexico and Italy, as well as Britain.

Developers are also hoping to get a themed pub in the £25 million Leisure Exchange.

J J Gallagher has also developed a huge Odeon multiplex cinema and health and fitness facility at Thornbury.

The historic city-centre Odeon Cinema was shut when the complex in Thornbury opened last year.

It is expected to be demolished to make way for a new night club, hotel, restaurant and bars.