Work on a multi-million pound leisure complex in Bradford was finally scheduled to get off the ground today - after a major licensing hitch.

Contractors were standing by poised to start work on the £5 million Glydegate Square in the heart of the city centre back in March.

But the entire scheme was put on hold as Luminar Leisure - owner of the nearby Chicago Rock Caf - objected to a licence application for an Australian-style Walkabout Bar due to move into one of the new units.

Luminar lost its bid to stop the 2am liquor licence, which was granted by Bradford licensing magistrates three weeks ago.

The development in the West End of the city, on land between the Alhambra Theatre and the National Museum of Photo-graphy, Film and Television, is expected to create more than 100 jobs.

There will also be a Revolution caf bar and developers say there is room for a third drinking house in the development.

The centre will include a nightclub, large public square and a piece of public art.

Builders are moving on to the site days after the new owners of the Odeon Cinema, just yards away, unveiled plans for a nightclub, casino, and three bars.

But Glydegate developers, Leeds and London Holdings, say the centres will complement each other and add more variety to the vibrant West End pub scene.

Leeds and London Holdings are teaming up with the GMI Construction Group to build the complex. The same partnership was behind the successful redevelopment of the old Windsor Baths, which was converted into three pubs.

Company surveyor Peter McManus, said: "I am delighted that we are now on site. The start of work on Glydegate Square takes the regeneration of the West End into a new phase and Leeds and London Holdings are playing an important role in its extension.

"This investment will go a long way towards meeting the rising demand for quality licensed facilities in this part of the city centre."

Steve Pollard, technical director of GMI, said: "Bradford is good news for us. This is our third major building contract in the city in partnership with Leeds and London and it is going to be a very high profile development."

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, executive committee member for the economy, said: "This development will complete another piece in the West End jigsaw which has seen one scheme after another bringing jobs, investment and people into the city centre."

The site was released for redevelopment by the Council following a national marketing drive last year and Glydegate Square is expected to be fully completed next February. But Mr McManus said efforts were being made to open the Revolution bar for Christmas.