The first Council-backed ethnic bazaar is to open in Bradford on a trial basis.

The bazaar will be in the former Rawson Market, which has lain empty since 2003.

If it proves a success, it could be incorporated into the new city-centre market as part of the merger of the Kirkgate Market and Oastler Shopping Centre.

The idea originally came from Councillor Muhammad Shabbir (Ind) at a Council meeting in January. He said it could bring more people into the city centre.

The new shopping attraction is described as an ‘Asian bazaar’ in a new Council report, which says it will “offer about 100 stalls selling goods and products aimed at the South Asian community”.

But Coun Shabbir said he was keen for it to serve all communities, and a truly diverse bazaar could attract people from all over Bradford and beyond.

He said: “We can make our ‘unique selling point’ our diversity.”

The bazaar is expected to open in March.