BRADFORD Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said she is ‘very excited’ now construction has commenced on a new restaurant and state-of-the-art cinema extension in The Broadway shopping centre.

The project, which will create more than 100 jobs when complete, includes a six-screen cinema with about 700 seats and four restaurants, totalling 35,000 sq ft of additional space in The Broadway.

“It is going to be a real transformation for the shopping centre next year and it is very exciting. This part of the city has been in need of investment for years and the different cinema experience it will offer will appeal to younger people and families,” she said.

Cllr Hinchcliffe added: “It’s great to see construction starting on the new development. This will further enhance the leisure offer in the city.

“Not only will it provide welcome new jobs but it serves as a further boost to Bradford’s City Centre regeneration, giving people even more reasons to come and visit.”

The cinema and restaurants are due to open in autumn or winter next year and will be operated by The Light. The occupiers of the restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Ian Ward, the centre’s general manager said: “This will be a wonderful addition to The Broadway. It’s all about developing customer experience. There is going to be more food and restaurant areas which will help to encourage more people into the centre.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration planning and transport, added: “It’s great to see more development happening in the centre and this new boutique-style cinema is just what is needed in Bradford. It will offer a completely different cinema experience.”

Commenting on construction commencing, Renee Moran, asset manager at Meyer Bergman, owners of The Broadway, said: “Through the addition of the new cinema, operated by The Light, as well as new restaurants, we will be able to make The Broadway an even more attractive place to visit for both residents of Bradford as well as visitors from further afield.”

Paul Sargent, CEO and co-founder of Queensberry, which is managing the construction of the cinema, added: “The ceremony marks an important milestone for this landmark retail regeneration project.

"We are excited to be involved in the ongoing transformation of the area and are committed to working with Meyer Bergman, the Council and the other partners involved to minimise disruption to the community during the delivery of a vibrant new leisure destination, which will complement the new shopping facilities in the city centre.”