A consortium wanting to raze parts of Broadway and transform it into an indoor mall is trying to buy another major part of Bradford city centre.

The group, headed by Knottingley-based Caddick Developments, has already exchanged contracts with receivers to buy giant Central House, including Broadway and surrounding shops and offices, for £7.5 million.

And today Caddick's development director Richard Weatherhead confirmed the consortium had also made an offer for neighbouring Forster House where the long-term leasehold is being sold by another receiver.

Bradford Council owns the freehold for both the sites.

Mr Weatherhead said they wanted to extend their ambitious Central House plan to take in Forster House.

He would not comment on the amount of the offer but said they would want the property for retail.

Chartered surveyors and international property consultants Weather-all Green & Smith, which is marketing the block, would not confirm or deny there had been an offer, but said a number of parties were interested. It would not reveal the price.

The eight-storey landmark block is close to the new Forster Square retail park and railway station. Tenants include Fatty Arbuckles and Pratts Office Supplies. The block includes the empty post office.

Now, the consortium is expected to finalise its purchase of Central House by the end of June and sign a development agreement with the Council.

The deal would include a profit share team for the authority.

The consortium says the redevelopment of the 1960s Central House block would involve demolition, but they want to keep the existing tenants including BHS, C&A and WH Smiths.

Arrangements would be made to allow them to continue trading during the redevelopment.

Chairman of the Council's regeneration committee Councillor Dave Green said: "The Council has said it wants to see that section of the city redeveloped. We would be happy to enter into negotiations with them."

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