One of Bradford’s most visited shopping hotspots is preparing to launch a new £500,000 expansion later this year, as it becomes one of the largest bazaars in the UK.
Bradford Bazaar, in Cemetery Road, Lidget Green, opened its doors for the first time in 2012 and currently boasts 100 stalls offering a range of goods from clothing to jewellery – and everything in between.
The expansion plans, set to be complete by the end of October, will increase the capacity of store-holders to 130, whilst 75 car park spaces will also be provided.
Bradford Bazaar owner, Jas Maharaja, said he was delighted to see the expansion plans ‘coming along nicely’ at a time when Bradford is ‘booming’.
“I have lived in Bradford all my life and am a proud Bradfordian,” he said. “In recent times the city has experienced a great amount of regeneration and interest in the city continues to grow from across the country.
“With the introduction of The Broadway, City Park and now Bradford Bazaar’s expansion, the city is flourishing.
“Everyone affiliated with Bradford want people to come down and see for themselves how much this city has to offer.”
Earlier this week, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Cllr Geoff Reid and Mrs Chris Reid, were joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Balbir Panesar, and other dignitaries for a tour of the premises.
Escorted by Jas, the group were shown around the existing site and looked over plans for the extension outside the bazaar. The visit concluded with a sit-down buffet inside the bazaar’s cafe area.
Jas added: “Within five years, we have doubled in size at this site thanks to the ongoing support of Bradford Council and other affiliates.
“To have had the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and Deputy Lieutenant come down this week showed how important this site can be to the city.
“This is the exclusive Asian shopping centre in Bradford and we are quickly becoming one of largest bazaars in the North of England and even the whole country.
“We always had plans to expand quickly and that is exactly what we have done. The new stalls should be open from the end of October alongside additional car park spaces.”
