The public has given a cautious welcome to plans to revitalise the retail heart of Bradford.

Information boards have been on display at the Kirkgate Centre all week showing plans for new lighting, contemporary seating, greenery, natural stone paving and a water feature on Darley Street.

The enhancement of public space in Darley Street, expected to start in July, is the first phase of a series of improvements that will take place across the city centre, designed to strengthen links between the existing shopping area and the Westfield Broadway development.

A steady trickle of about 50 people have viewed and commented on the ongoing display since Monday, according to Chris Shepherd of Bradford Council's landscape design unit.

Mr Shepherd, who has been running the display, said: "On the whole, people have been positive.

"They felt it was going to be refreshing for the street instead of the current dowdy run-down look."

He said some people had raised concerns about possible vandalism to the timber benches, but said these fears would be tackled through increased CCTV camera coverage in the area.

Bradford Civic Society chairman, Anthony Mann, who visited the display, said: "I think it's a vast improvement and it's very much welcome.

"It's quite modern and contemporary and helps to bring the city up to date."

The next stage of public realm works will involve improvements to Kirkgate.

Designs for this scheme are being developed and there are plans to include a water feature as a focal point on the junction of Kirkgate and Darley Street.

A competition has taken place to select an artist to design the feature and Richard Perry, who has been involved in many high quality public art works, including the Peace Gardens in Sheffield City Centre, has been selected to take the design forward.

The design of the water feature has not been finalised, but it is expected to be pointed, about 7.5 metres high and constructed from robust slate and natural stone. A planning application for the feature is expected to be submitted shortly. The water feature will not be constructed as part of the Darley Street works but will be included in the Kirkgate works in Spring 2008.

Val Summerscales, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: "We're supportive of anything that gives an improved feel to the city centre and hopefully that will form the catalyst for bringing shoppers back."

Councillor Munir Ahmed said: " I think it's a good idea and improves the feel of the city centre. It's better for consumers who come into the city centre.

"Improved lighting is also a good idea to make people feel safe and secure, especially when it's winter and it's dark."

The display in the Kirkgate Centre will continue today, between 11am and 3pm, and will run tomorrow before finishing.