A property development partnership firm is asking the company which commissioned a radical city centre master plan to support its own proposals to breathe new life into Bradford.

Anthony Mann and Graham Hall, who have set up an Eccleshill-based business called Bradford Waterways, have created a plan which also sees City Hall surrounded by an ornamental lake.

Mr Mann, who first came up with the idea of giving Bradford a "quayside" nine years ago, sees the reopening of the Bradford canal as the key plank in the plan he has drawn up. Mr Hall has discussed their scheme with Bradford Centre Regeneration - formerly the Urban Regeneration Company.

The two businessmen are among a number who have approached Bradford Centre Regeneration since the dramatic vision of the city was launched.

Regeneration chief executive Maud Marshall said: "They have been to see us and we are interested in what they have to say." She said about 2,000 people had now visited the exhibition of the master plan by architect Will Alsop and they expected many more before the consultation ended.

Bradford Centre Regeneration has pledged all views will be taken into consideration and amendments will be made if necessary.

Bradford Waterway's proposals include 4.5 kilometres of new state-of-the-art canal, six marinas with commercial and residential berths, more than 1,700 new homes, a £6 million sports and leisure scheme at Bolton Woods, improved railway stations at Forster Square and Frizinghall, a barge bus, new paths and cycle routes and massive jobs creation.

Mr Mann said: "The master plan gives a proposed framework but this takes it a lot further. We would need funding and are seeking support from Bradford Centre Regeneration."

He said their scheme was similar to the master plan concept but had been on the drawing board earlier.

"It will be something to kick start a total regeneration," said Mr Mann.

The master plan exhibition at the former Dillon's book store in Market Street is open between 10am and 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.

Anyone who would like to comment on the plan can write to Bradford Centre Regeneration, Fourth Floor, Merchants House, Peckover Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5BD.