Scores of high class penthouses are expected to be built on the top of the planned Broadway shopping scheme to raise parts of it to just under 75 ft - giving stunning views of historic Little Germany and the city.

Amendments to the scheme, which include the 85 apartments, have been made after councillors said they did not want a low level complex but wanted it in keeping with the height of imposing heritage buildings which surrounded it.

Other proposed changes to the scheme, which will mean the demolition of practically all the bottom of the city, include: a re-design of Forster Square giving more public space, which would mean the statue of William Edward Forster being moved just a few yards instead of relocation in another part of the scheme; a large underground car park containing 900 spaces with access from Canal Road, as well as a 1,020 multi storey within the scheme; a glass-fronted restaurant overlooking Hall Ings attached to the new Debenhams three-floor department store; and provision of six big stores for major retailers. Debenhams and BHS are already definite, but the developers are in detailed talks with others.

Bradford Council's regulatory and appeals committee will consider the changes on September 10 but they will have to be referred to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions before a decision can be made. The size of the scheme is unchanged and it already has planning permission.

The application for the amendments is a milestone in the progress of the scheme because it is one of the last pieces in the jigsaw before things can steam ahead.

The others pieces are the release of funds from Europe, Yorkshire Forward and the Government for the Connecting the City scheme which will begin the clearance of the site and diverting services like gas, water and electricity to allow the scheme to proceed.

It would create a new city stripped of its ugly concrete legacy and replaced by shopping malls designed by international architects Benoy.

A spokesman for the developers said: "The Forster Square Development Partnership continues to push ahead with its planned £200 million shopping centre in the heart of Bradford. Revised drawings submitted to Bradford Council demonstrate the partnership's commitment to working in a positive and co-operative way.

"This should ensure that the scheme, which will bring benefits to all involved in the city, can be realised as soon as possible."

He said negotiations were continuing with major retail investment company Stannifer about joining the partnership.

"Stannifer would bring wide ranging experience of major city centre retail/leisure developments," he said.