Public interest in the future regeneration of Bradford city has far exceeded expectations, according to regeneration organisers.

A blueprint for future schemes was unveiled to the public on Wednesday.

And staff from the Bradford Centre Regeneration team say they did not expect so many people to be interested in the ambitious plans.

Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration, described the masterplan as a picture frame which will be filled in over the next few years.

She said: "Our decision to open the former Brown Muff's building to launch the masterplan really seems to be working.

"The numbers of people coming in has been rather beyond our expectation. It is early days but the sheer volume of people and the diversity of their ages and views is really encouraging.

"We will be tracking the numbers visiting the plans and keeping track of all their views. We really want to hear what people think of this and to hear their ideas and suggestions.

"It is too early to tell what kind of reaction we have been getting and I expect it is rather mixed. But the key is to get people to share their views with us and I hope they continue to do so."

The exhibition features maps and plans of the proposed regeneration schemes as well as explanations of the designs and the work behind the ideas. There is a model of Bradford city centre to show how the designs would fit in and a video.

Project manager David West said: "I really enjoyed my time talking to people and sharing their views. I didn't know what to expect but the reaction and the sheer numbers has been fantastic.

"It is very encouraging to see so many people - from 15-year-olds to pensioners - getting involved with this and we'll be open Monday to Friday 10am till 4pm and on Saturdays from 11am until 2pm until Christmas.

"If we get feedback from people to alter the opening times, we will consider doing that too."

Janet Sidaway, of Wibsey, who was looking at the plans yesterday, said: "This all looks very impressive and it's got people talking but I'm not convinced about some of the plans or the reasons behind it.

"It's good to have the chance to come in and have a look but Wibsey seems to be missing on the maps. I just think this will be very hard to make a reality. It's all very well making proposals but they are probably just a pipedream."