Terraced shops in James Street, Bradford, are almost certain to escape the bulldozers if adjoining land is developed as a multi-million pound Asian shopping centre

Some traders, who rent their city centre shops from Bradford Council, had feared they would lose their premises when the prime Rawson Market site went on the market.

But Council officers say the shops are part of the city's heritage and developers would need "substantial justification" to get rid of them.

The empty, listed Rawson Hotel and the building housing the Merrie England Coffee Shop would also be retained.

But James Street or Rawson Place may be pedestrianised if the complex - which would be the only one of its kind in the north of England - is built on the site, which has stood derelict for two years.

The proposals are in a planning brief for the land which Philip Walker, Executive Director of Exchequer and Property, will ask the Council's Executive Committee to approve tomorrow.

He will also ask members to agree to the sale of the site.

A recent independent survey showed that, with 75,000 people of Asian origin living in Bradford, £200 million a year is spent in the district on food and Asian products.

But today John Hardaker of James Street Florists said there had been no consultation with the traders about the blueprint.

Mr Hardaker said: "We have had no input into this at all. It is just another example of Council ineptitude."

President of Bradford Chamber of Trade Eric Hudson pointed out that pedestrianisation would mean the loss of vital city centre parking places.

The planning blueprint, which the developer will be asked to follow closely, says pedestrianisation will affect existing traders and will need a careful approach.

Officers say public art must be provided as part of the development.

Mr Walker will ask the Executive for permission to offer the site on a 125-year lease.

Councillor Dave Green regeneration member on the executive said: "Once we have got development proposals we will talk to everybody on James Street."

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group Geoff Frankel welcomed the move.

He said: "I hope it will attract a very good take-up."

l The site has been derelict for two years because the sale of Vicar Lane car park - which would have paid for a £6 million market refurbishment - fell through.

By that time the old market had been partly demolished and traders moved out to a temporary building nearby.

The Council now proposes to refurbish John Street market and move Rawson tenants and James Street fish market traders in with existing stallholders.

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