EXCITING: Retailers and tenants have now begun moving in to their new units as they focus on the interior of their Broadway stores
EXCITING: Retailers and tenants have now begun moving in to their new units as they focus on the interior of their Broadway stores

Countdown begins to November opening

The opening of Bradford’s new £260 million shopping centre has moved a step closer, with the build and construction phase of all retailer units now completed and handed over for fit out.

With less than 50 days to go until the doors of The Broadway Bradford are opened to shoppers for the first time, retailers across the centre including anchor tenants, M&S and Debenhams, are now on site working on the store interiors ready for opening on 5th November.

The Broadway is already more than 80 per cent let with leading department and fashion stores acompanied by new market names.

At 570,000 sq ft, the site will be the largest UK retail centre to open in 2015 and will create 2,500 new retail jobs.

Westfield’s Director of Marketing, Myf Ryan, said the retailer’s work is the checkpoint to arrive on time for the grand opening.

“Today marks a significant step forwards for The Broadway as we handover the units to our retailers,” he said.

“It’s a busy but exciting time at the centre at the moment and our new retailers will be hard at work putting the finishing touches to their stores ready for opening day.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Bradford community through our doors on 5th November.”

Steve King, M&S Bradford store manager, added that companies had begun to add their own individuality to stores.

He said: “It’s great to finally be able to put our own stamp on our new store at The Broadway and really make it our own.

“M&S Bradford will provide local customers with a great new shopping experience and we look forward to unveiling the details of our new local offer and welcoming customers into the store.”

Since the commencement of construction in early 2014, Bradford’s city centre has continued to attract substantial inward investment for the City’s regeneration.

With The Broadway opening, city centre retail spend is anticipated to increase by 78 per cent to approximately £1bn with city footfall to increase to over 32 million.

Bradford Council Leader, Councillor David Green, said: “The excitement is mounting as it really isn’t long now to the grand opening on 5th November and it’s good to hear that the retailers are now fitting out their stores and preparing for the big day.  

“Since it is the largest retail centre to open in the UK this year, I think everyone is very much looking forward to seeing what the Broadway development looks like inside.”