The new edition of a world-renowned tourist guide describes Bradford city centre as "dour" - but continues to say it is scheduled for a revamp.

The seventh edition of the Lonely Planet guide to Great Britain, released tomorrow, picks out Bradford as a city earmarked for change.

It says: "Bradford remains far removed from its much more glamorous neighbour, Leeds. Or so they would have you believe in Leeds. But even Bradford is getting a facial: much of the dour city centre is scheduled for a revamp which, according to town planners, will see it recast as an urban park with its very own lake in front of city hall."

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, head of the district's regeneration, said: "It's a fair judgment, but we can take criticism and turn it into a positive. We know the city is going to stride ahead in the coming years. The investors and developers in Bradford show a really strong commitment, not just to smaller schemes but to big complex projects. That demonstrates confidence."

Coun Mallinson said the Lonely Planet guide's description was typical of the perception being reeled out in Leeds that Bradford was always the underdog.

He said: "We have got what Leeds did not have, which is a sound business plan for the regeneration of the whole district, not like Leeds where they concentrated on the city centre and forgot about the rest."

Bradford West MP Marsha Singh said: "It seems a fair reflection. We all know the city centre is overdue a facelift and now things seem to be happening, which is exciting. I hope once the regeneration is complete, they will come back and do another report."

But Anthony Mann, chairman of Bradford Civic Society, said the word "dour" was a bit strong. He said the Lonely Planet authors were "missing a trick" by not mentioning the quality of Bradford's historic buildings.

"Little Germany has the highest concentration of listed buildings in the UK and there are some wonderful buildings in the city centre as well. This should have been mentioned because people visit cities to look at beautiful buildings," said Mr Mann.

The Lonely Planet guide goes on to describe Britain as a cosmopolitan society heavily influenced by its multicultural population where "many are happy to revel in this diversity".

David Else, the guide's co-ordinating author, said: "Brits are just as likely to tuck into a chicken madras as a Sunday roast, or to check out Notting Hill Carnival rather than trooping the colour."

Allerton resident Rashid Awan, president of the Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire, said this wider description of Britain was strongly reflected in the Bradford district.

The 70-year-old said: "In my experience, my English friends are more inclined to indulge in spicy food than the people who originated that sort of food.

"It seems to be a very tolerant and amenable society we live in. I'm pleased people are identifying the diversity and accepting the culture of other communities."

Mr Awan said he was pleased the guide recognised Bradford's regeneration plans, which he said would put the city back on the map.

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here