SNEAK PEEK: Public has first look at Sunbridge Wells tunnels beneath Bradford city centre

Sunbridge Wells, which will include 15 shops, five bars and two restaurants, was originally planned to open late in 2014, but the scheme was expanded and delayed and owners say it is now scheduled to open at the end of March.

Graham Hall, of Yeadon-based developer Sunbridge Wells, is giving tours this week after inviting the public to see the work through social media.

Ten of the units, which also includes six lockable stalls, have been let so far, but Mr Hall is sure the others will be occupied.

"I'm not disappointed by the numbers that have been taken up so far. No-one has had a chance to look at them yet," Mr Hall said.

"I'm totally confident that they will be taken up."

Twenty people joined the first 30-minute tour of the site, which runs beneath Sunbridge Road, Upper Millergate and Ivegate, today.

Developer Graham Hall gives people a guided tour of the Sunbridge Wells tunnels project

Members of the public were invited into the Sunbridge Wells tunnels to see the work done so far under the streets of Bradford

Elaine Lee, 69, of Baildon, said: "I think it's fantastic.

"It's more important to Bradford than the Broadway. The work involved in it is interesting.

"I think people have wondered why it has taken so long to complete the work. But if people came they would realise how it has taken so long. There is a lot of work involved and they have done it properly."

The development brings back into use some buildings which have not been used for almost 90 years.

Ingrid Dzerins, 54, of Heaton, who went with her daughter, Leah, 11, said: "It's absolutely wonderful. The foresight the developers have had is absolutely brilliant.

"It feels as if Bradford has turned a corner. I feel really upbeat about this. It feels great.

"The history of the tunnels is great."

Kevin Wood looking into a shop front after being part of the touring party at the Sunbridge Wells tunnels project

Kevin Wood, 53, of Thornton, said he would be returning to the tunnels once they were open.

"It's super. It's nice to see it before it opens," he said.

"It's unbelievable that something like this has been down here.

"I would like to see more of what's underneath Bradford."

MORE TOP STORIES

Mr Hall aims to provide starter units for new businesses and the 20,000 sq ft development will also include an art gallery, showcasing 26 artists' work, and regular arts and crafts markets.

The three-floor development will also include a curry house and a 1920s-style bar which will show Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton movies.

Ingrid and daughter Leah Dzerins, 11, enjoy the underground views at the £1 million Sunbridge Wells tunnels project

Mr Hall said the tunnels project was still on course to open at the end of March after the ongoing building work had caused further delays.

More than 2,000 tonnes of rubble was pulled from the tunnels and cellars by three builders using only wheelbarrows during the work.

Elaine Lee and her husband take pictures during an underground tour of the £1 million Sunbridge Wells tunnels project