Plans for a £2million leisure and bingo centre at Bradford's transport Inter-change were unveiled today.

The centre, expected to open next spring, would have a 270-space car park and bring 65 new jobs.

It is expected to coincide with a £1.7million redevelopment of the main bus deck in the Interchange

The leisure centre in the former bus maintenance garage would include a bingo hall, catering and a bar/lounge. Cabarets would be staged, using both big name and local acts at the centre which would be open until 11pm.

The state-of-the-art complex - sited partially underground - would be the first in Yorkshire to be operated by Buckingham Bingo Clubs.

A planning application for the change of use of the building has been submitted by Manchester-based Cambos Enterprises to Bradford Council.

The company will also submit applications for liquor, gaming and entertainment licences.

Cambos development director John Anderson said entry to the new car park would be from Bridge Street. But pedestrians would go into the centre through a new entry at the side of the main doors into the Interchange concourse.

The new development would be just ten minutes walk away from the multi-million Vicar Lane leisure centre, where there may also be bingo.

And a large Mecca bingo hall is also situated in the city centre at Little Horton Lane.

But Mr Anderson said: "We are close to the shops and convenient for rail, bus and car users."

He added that they did not expect to be affected by the Mecca trade because they would be in a different part of the city centre.

"I couldn't see a third bingo centre being opened once we are operating."

Council Executive Committee member for regeneration Councillor Dave Green said he could not comment until he had seen the planning application.

But Executive member for Transport, and Passenger Transport Executive member Councillor Latif Darr said: "This building has been unused for two years and it is very good news. It will be income for the PTE, which owns the building."

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