The saga of the redevelopment of the former Rawson Market at the top end of the city centre has been a long and, until recently, rather sorry one. The way it was closed and demolished so prematurely, before the funds were in place to replace it, will go down in history as one of the most disastrous decisions ever taken by the local authority, blighting the streets around the site for years.

Since then the rebirth of the market has been an on-off affair. However, in the past year or so things have begun to look very promising. Work has been progressing steadily on an interesting-looking new building behind the old market's impressive frontage in Godwin Street. Developers Modus Properties have been able to announce major tenants for it.

Now, just when things appeared to be going so well, comes news that Modus have sold the development to London retail-investment company Thread-needle.

It must be hoped that this does not cause any hiccups. There is a lot of focus at present on the work taking place around Forster Square and Broadway in preparation for the exciting developments planned for that area.

However, the Rawson Quarter needs to be at the heart of a vibrant traditional shopping experience if the retail centre of gravity is not to swing predominantly down to the bottom end of town. It is vital to Bradford's future that this scheme is completed and that the occupants move in as soon as possible, giving that part of the city centre the significant boost it needs.