THE FRONT of one of the city centre’s landmark buildings has been given a spring clean thanks to Bradford BID.

Fly-posting which plastered the windows of the Grade II-listed former TJ Hughes store, on the corner of Godwin Street and Sunbridge Road, has been removed in one of the first clean-up projects undertaken by the Business Improvement District.

Improving the appearance of empty shops was identified as a top priority by businesses when the feasibility study into setting up the BID was carried out.

The issue was made one of the key objectives in the Clean pillar, one of four strands that make up the BID’s five-year business plan.

“Clearly, the appearance of empty shops and the impact that shabby and untidy premises can have on the perception of the city centre is a major concern for Bradford businesses,” said BID manager Jonny Noble.

“They wanted us to make it an important part of the BID’s work and we’ve now got that underway with the smartening up of the former TJ Hughes store.

“This is one of the key gateways to the city centre and, potentially, one of the first things visitors see as they reach the centre from that side.

“It’s also next door to newly-developed offices which will become the home of a branch of a prestige business, PWC, which will eventually bring 220 new jobs to city centre.”

A local company, JD Cleaning, was contracted to clear up the mess.

“It really was in a bad way, with all of its display windows plastered with scruffy posters,” said Mr Noble. “I think anyone who passes it regularly will it agree it now looks a whole lot better!”

He said the fly-posting and graffiti removal project will now be rolled out strategically across the BID area and will be ongoing throughout its five-year term, which began in January.