Ambitious designs for Bradford's multi-million pound John Street Market could include a glass pyramid-style roof and terrazzo flooring.

The new 'super market' would bring an end to the nightmare of nearby Rawson Market tenants who say their trade has slumped since they moved into a temporary unit in Rawson Place.

The Council's aim is to move tenants from Rawson and James Street fish market in with the John Street stall holders and give the building a £3million facelift.

The Council hoped to have started the work by now but its own architects are too busy with work connected with the schools review.

Now officers are looking at the option of contracting the whole project to a company which could both design and build it.

Councillor Dave Green, Regeneration member of the Council's executive committee, said today: "We want to get best value for the public but the quickest build that we can obtain."

He said progress had been slower than he had hoped but the aim was to get the scheme off the ground as soon as possible.

A survey is also being done to find out how much space each trader would need in the new market. But Councillor Green said he did not anticipate major problems.

A steering committee of traders and councillors is meeting regularly.

Coun Green said there had been visits to other refurbished markets, and it was felt the roof at John Street needed raising to improve its aspect. He said glass pyramid-type designs were popular at other markets and could be considered. A new terrazzo floor might also be installed.

Butchers and fishmongers are expected to be put on the outside perimeter of the market, well spread out and between other shops. High standard drainage will be installed to avoid smells.

Entrances would be refurbished with automatic doors.

Traffic flows are also being examined, including the possible use of the service road to provide extra trading space.

Richard Mead, secretary of John Street Traders Association, said: "I am excited about the new look and look forward to seeing the plans as soon as possible. Things are progressing."

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