Interest in Bradford’s new underground shopping development has “surpassed expectations” as an estimated 20,000 people visited the complex in the first ten days.

The £1.9 million Sunbridgewells scheme, off Centenary Square and built underneath Sunbridge Road, Upper Millergate and Ivegate, is being opened in two stages.

The long-awaited project, which was originally due to open in late 2014, officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday, December 10.

Graham Hall, of Yeadon-based developer Sunbridgewells, said: “We had well over 20,000 people through the doors in the first ten days.

“It’s gone remarkably well. It has even surpassed my expectations really. Everybody seems to enjoy the experience when they come and see it.

“There have been no bad comments. We had a two-coach party with 120 people from Leeds come the other day. It might be Christmas, but there are a lot more people using the city centre bars as a result of this thing.

“We are helping Bradford make the headlines for the right reasons.”

The complex attracted 8,000 visitors on Saturday, December 17, alone.

The site’s shops will increase next year when five lockable stalls open.

Agreements have been reached for these to include a taxi firm and other businesses selling hot dogs and chocolate brownies. Its first phase includes 14 shops, selling items including sweets, coffee, T-shirts and women’s fashion.

The complex also features a Laurel and Hardy-themed bar, a tapas bar and a traditional-style pub, which have all opened initially.

Trading groups and officials in Bradford have also backed the project, saying it will bring a major boost to the city.

The complex also includes more than 500 antique pieces on display, many donated by Bradford Museums and Art Galleries, including signs for Bradford Park Avenue and road and railway signs.

Val Summerscales, secretary of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: “It caters for all different types of businesses. I’ve not been myself yet but want to go. I know people who have and said it is absolutely brilliant.

“It is such a unique project for the city centre. Everybody has been waiting for it to happen.

“It will help both the daytime and night time economy in Bradford.”

Dr Trevor Higgins, chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough, a group which aims to make Bradford a better place to live, work and visit, said: “Bradford is becoming a go-to place.

“Sunbridgewells is a unique offering and builds on the back of The Broadway. It will put Bradford on the map and has fantastic potential.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “It’s fantastic to see Sunbridgewells open to the public and doing so well. I’ve been a couple of times and it’s always been very busy.

“It’s definitely becoming a destination point for visitors to the city on nights out, which is great, and hopefully this will have a positive knock-on effect for other businesses in the city centre too.

“It’s a unique development and offers something in Bradford that’s completely different to any other city in the region.”