The masterplan for the future regeneration of Bradford city centre was unveiled today.

International architects working with the city's urban regeneration company have drawn up a blueprint for the centre's redevelopment over the next two decades.

Plans include extensive green areas, the creation of a lake beside Bradford City Hall, and innovative shopping complexes. Bradford Beck may re-emerge at Goitside creating a wet land "urban Eden" which could become an educational centre and visitor attraction.

The former Odeon cinema is suggested as the site for a sensory garden and high class homes and commercial properties would be created in Canal Road enhanced by water features and pools.

Wil Alsop's award-winning practice - which produced schemes in Leicester, Rotterdam, Marseilles, Liverpool and Manchester - has created the blueprint which was described as "inspirational and daring" by Bradford's Urban Regeneration Company which commissioned it.

It was drawn up after extensive consultations with groups and organisations around the district but now the URC, which today named itself Bradford Centre Regeneration, hopes to get the views of thousands of people before the final version is drawn up .

Yesterday, the plan was welcomed by Bradford Council's executive committee which will receive a further report from Bradford Centre Regeneration's chief executive Maud Marshall after the consultation ends at Christmas.

Mrs Marshall said it was a "big picture" which would form the strategic framework for the work done by the URC to breathe new life into the city.

Mrs Marshall stressed the rebirth of the city would give major spin-offs to the rest of the district. "We are committed to making it work," she said.

The Alsop scheme divides the city into four neighbourhoods: The Bowl - the area surrounding City Hall. It is described as the pivotal area and showcase with a lake bordering Centenary Square. A pier type structure links it to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

The Channel - the area linking the Broadway shopping complex and Canal Road where a canal-side community would be developed.

The Markets - the area from Queen's Gate to Kirkgate, through the Rawson Quarter to the Oastler Market. The aim is to up lift the shopping areas, make them more multi-cultural and give the area national significance; The Valley - the Thornton Road corridor, where a wetland environment could be created by uncovering Bradford Beck. It is seen as an area of dilapidation with great potential, given the right setting.

The plan would take 15 to 20 years to materialise and the first two years are expected to produce smaller projects like the creation of the sensory garden at the former Odeon cinema which has already been bought by regional regeneration agency Yorkshire Forward.

Today, Councillor Simon Cooke, executive member for regeneration and deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: "The plan is an enormous challenge to all of us. Everyone must get stuck in."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "This is a big picture frame and not a detailed plan and nothing has been finalised.

"The Council welcomes the opportunity for everybody to express their views. It is about delivering change and improving things."

Labour group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "There are some interesting ideas which outline the shape and form of the city centre.

"The important thing is that as many people as possible should respond to it. At the end of the day it is the best chance we are ever going to have to renovate and regenerate the city centre."

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "It is a brave and inspirational plan and I hope people are inspired by it."