Booming Little Germany is expected to get its own supremo to co-ordinate its multi-million pound revival.

The new officer would spearhead a three-year development plan for the historic area which has already undergone major improvements.

Bradford Council is expected to forge a new deal with English Partnerships, the Government's regeneration agency, following a major study on the city's former merchant quarter.

The independent study commissioned by the Council concluded piecemeal development in Little Germany would not achieve overall regeneration and a team or officer should be appointed to co-ordinate efforts and push them forward.

Officers will recommend the regeneration committee on Wednesday approves the appointment in principle and also sets up a forum comprising of representatives from the Council, English Partnerships and the private sector to oversee the action plan.

It would include:

Mixed private and rented homes

The provision of leisure and service companies

Encouraging more business development

Reducing crime and improving traffic management

Improving the environment and better links with the rest of the city centre

Raising the profile of the area

One of the major developments for Little Germany will be the £4 million national faith heritage centre, due to open in the year 2000 at St Peter's House.

Other huge schemes in the area have included the refurbished Hockney House on Well Street and the completion of the North British Housing Association Project creating flats in Currer Street.

The Well Street development included a £3.5 million refurbishment of old mills.

It is estimated that more than 3,000 people live and work in Little Germany, which business chiefs see as a flagship regeneration project.

Chairman of the Council's regeneration committee Councillor Dave Green said: "Little Germany remains one of the city's most distinctive areas and has a large part to play in the Council's overall regeneration strategy.

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