Clothing giant Next is to open its third store in Bradford city centre in a move that will create 45 new jobs.

The new store at the Forster Square Retail Park will be the company's biggest in the city.

The announcement comes only a month after the high- street fashion retailer took over the former C&A store in Broadway, Bradford, where it opened a discount 'Next to Nothing' store.

The news is being seen as a major boost for trade following a difficult period for the city.

Councillor Simon Cooke (Cons, Bingley), executive member for regeneration, said it proved Bradford could still attract major investment.

"I am obviously pleased that business is still coming in to Bradford," he said.

"Despite what everyone has said, we are still an attractive place to major retailers."

And he said he was not worried that the store had chosen the Forster Square site rather than a traditional high-street location. "Everything is in a state of flux at the bottom of the city.," he said.

"What we are hoping is that businesses like them are going to see that there is trade in Bradford, then they may wish to be a part of the major redevelopment which is planned for that area."

It is planned to demolish many of the 1960s buildings around Forster Square and Broadway to make way for a new £200m shopping development featuring 60 shops, two public squares and a cinema.

A Next spokesman said there are no plans to close the company's other Bradford store in Darley Street.

He said the new store would feature all of the company's range including menswear, ladieswear and a home department. The 45 jobs being created will be both full- and part-time positions.

He said: "Next are delighted to be able to offer a wider range of goods to our Bradford customers."

The store will open at the former Poundstretcher unit in early August.