Part of an historic city centre building was shutting up shop today - just four years after a multi-million redevelopment scheme.

And business and council chiefs said all the stops must be pulled out to get the main section of the former Brown Muff department store open again.

The store shut in the 1970s after trading from the heart of the city in Market Street for 25 years.

Thousands of Bradfordians have memories of working and shopping in the building which dates back to 1870 and was extended in the 1920s.

It was later taken over by the House of Fraser but the company shut down its Rackhams store and moved out of Bradford.

The famous building was then acquired by developers Allied London Melford which began a £10 million restoration scheme.

Book giants Dillons moved into the main shop in a blaze of publicity four years ago.

And when the massive Waterstone's book store moved into the historic Wool Exchange just yards away, the businesses said they were friendly rivals.

But Dillons announced last October that it was moving out because of a merger with Waterstone's - and the shop was set to close today.

Bradford Council Executive Committee member for regeneration Dave Green said: "It is obviously a commercial decision which is affecting a number of stores. Our priority is working with the letting agents to get it occupied again as soon as possible. We will have to ensure it meets the needs of the city."

President of Bradford Chamber of Trade Jim Griffin said it was vital to attract a good quality business. "It is very important that this should not be left empty. I would like great efforts to get it filled," he said.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is disappointing the recent merger has brought about this closure. Literary outlets are vital for business. It is a key area, I hope this prime site does not stay empty for too long. Everything possible should be done to encourage a replacement. It need not be a retailer but anything to boost the economy of the city."

No comment was available from agents Jackson Criss.

But David Kneale, managing director of Waterstone's, said wherever possible staff had been re-employed at the Wool Exchange shop or Waterstone's in Leeds. There had also been some voluntary redundancies.

Businesses still in part of the building are Birthday Cards, Boots the Chemist, the Virgin Megastore, KFC and Kelly's Services.

e-mail: olwen.vasey@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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