A proposed indoor souk on the outskirts of Bradford would offer “high-quality, bespoke and niche” products, say its backers.

Development agency QED-UK is bidding for Government funding through the Regional Growth Fund to turn the vision into a reality.

But it is concerned people might have the wrong ideas about its proposal.

The generally-accepted definition of a souk is an open-air marketplace, but Adeeba Malik, the Bradford-based group’s deputy chief executive, says its concept was “merely inspired by the idea of a Middle Eastern or Arabian market”.

It would be divided into thematic quarters to include gold, bridal and evening wear, health and beauty products, international foods, spices, business services, technology, homeware, arts and music.

It could be located in the south or south-east of the city with on-site parking and access from the M606/M62. It would be unlikely to open before 2013/14. Mrs Malik said: “It will be a high-end, indoor retail space that offers an exclusive retail experience.”

QED envisage the souk creating 500 jobs over a three-year period. There would be around 123 units.

Mrs Malik said: “The concept is one of social enterprise and job creation. The souk will specialise in providing retail space to new and emerging businesses specialising in novel and high quality products, providing a launch pad for new businesses and for people taking up self-employment.”

Andrew Idle, of chartered surveyors Andrew Idle Associates, said: “There are lots of professional people, like myself, who have put their own time at their own cost into this bid because it’s something we feel passionate about.”

Councillor David Green, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and the economy, is concerned about the proposed location of the souk as the city centre is the Council’s regeneration priority.

But Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity said: “This is a really exciting, innovative and vibrant idea. What’s more, it’s a celebration of the diversity Yorkshire has to offer. I look forward to visiting what I am sure will be a terrific success.”

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