A multi-million pound business park planned near a busy bypass could bring up to 800 new jobs to Bradford.

Soft drinks giant Princes has picked Bradford as the best area for its new national distribution centre.

The major drinks complex would take up about half of the 28 acre site and the rest would be developed as a business park.

Bradford Council, which owns most of the site, has been told by the drinks company and its partners in the scheme, Commercial Development Projects, that up to 800 jobs could be created.

The Council - which would sell its share of the site in a multi thousand pound deal - has said it wants local firms to build the development and jobs to be given to Bradford people.

The development would bring a double boost because the Council could use cash from the sale to top up its standstill budget.

Council officers were today studying an outline planning application for the complex at Cross Lane, off the A650 bypass.

The Japanese-owned company - which is Britain's third largest soft drinks company - will retain its existing manufacturing plant, which employs 450 people, in Toftshaw Lane.

Today chairman of the Council's regeneration committee Councillor Dave Green said they would work with the developers to ensure jobs were kept in Bradford.

"We are delighted with the possibilities offered by this application and looking forward to it coming to fruition."

John Siddall, chief executive of Yorkshire and Humberside Development Agency said: "It is excellent news for the economic development of Bradford and the region."

The plan was also welcomed by Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe but he stressed nearby residents should be fully consulted.

"A national distribution centre would create a lot of transport jobs.

"We have been trying to develop here for a number of years and this is a reputable company with an established workforce."

Mike Dove, industrial partner at the Leeds office of property consultants Knight Frank, agents for both companies, said: "We anticipate that the development of the entire Cross Lane site could generate several hundred new full and part-time jobs and the staff would be recruited from the local community."

Tong ward councillor John Ruding said councillors held talks with officers who had assured them the 800 jobs predicted were attainable.

He said: "It is a very big site and enormously important to Bradford because of its position on the road network."

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