THE Broadway has said they had "no communication" from Marks & Spencer over the proposed closure of its Bradford store.

Bradford Council also says it is "disappointing news" that the M&S is set to leave the city.

The retail company announced the news to employees today.

The store has been in the shopping centre since it opened in 2015.

M&S say they are "rotating (their) store estate" and will offer workers alternative roles at other stores if the proposal goes ahead.

The Broadway says it is "surprised" by the announcement.

They added that the shopping centre is "performing well" and feels this is a "wider M&S issue" over a problem to do with Bradford.

Christina Beggan, Asset Management Director for Ellandi - which works with The Broadway - said: “We are surprised and disappointed to hear that M&S will be closing its store in Bradford, we had no communication from M&S that this announcement was coming.

"Overall,  The Broadway Bradford is performing well, occupiers have been reporting positively both in terms of sales and footfall which is up six per cent on last year, bucking the national trend.

"This appears to be a wider M&S issue as opposed to a Broadway or a Bradford-specific problem.

"There is a general sense of excitement too with Primark opening soon which will attract even more visitors to the centre.

"Flip Out Indoor Adventure Park opened at the end of last year and we’ve had a positive start to 2024 with more exciting new brands due to open this year. 

"The Broadway continues to thrive as a vibrant retail and leisure destination and we continue to support our occupiers, our customers and the wider city centre in what will be an exciting run-up to City of Culture 2025.”  

Ian Ward, General Manager at The Broadway, was also shocked by the news and said new fashion and beauty retailers will be coming to the centre in the "coming weeks". 

He added: “M&S closing its store at The Broadway is a loss for both the city centre and the wider Bradford district, and we are thinking of all those affected.

"Even though M&S have decided to close, demand for space in Bradford is high, we have a lot of interest from other occupiers and will be announcing new fashion and beauty retailers in the coming weeks.

“In terms of the city itself, we have the Bradford Transforming Cities programme that is starting to take shape including the new bus access along Well Street that will give shoppers direct access to the centre from there. The district is also gearing up to get ready for City of Culture in 2025 and Bradford BID is driving forward with a new 5-year mandate so we have lots to look forward to."

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Planning, Transportation and Regeneration said: “Obviously it’s disappointing news that M&S are leaving the city centre alongside previously announced store closures across the country and our team at Skills House is on hand to support with alternative employment and reskilling opportunities for those that want them. 

"More broadly this move just underlines the changing nature of our high street and why it has been so vital for Bradford Council to invest in our transformational regeneration programme. 

"With PwC moving into One City Park, Darley Street Market and the new public square nearing completion and work underway to introduce new walkable spaces on Market Street and Hall Ings, we’re reshaping the city centre so it can thrive for many years to come.”