A far-reaching blueprint paving the way for "star" buildings in a new-look Bradford city centre is to be launched tomorrow.

The city's first design guide will bring top architect Will Alsop's visionary

master plan to life, setting out how key buildings, roads and walkways will look for years to come.

And Bradfordians will be able to have their say on the plans as the design guide goes out for consultation.

Water gardens, parks and "star" buildings are the hallmarks of the guide, with tough design standards set for developers bidding for new projects.

Thornton Road would be developed as a tree-lined boulevard and the 90-page document also sets out rules for new streets to run into each other rather than creating cul de sacs.

Policies on new tall buildings are also included in the 90-page document to preserve the cityscape.

But hopes of a canal flowing into the city from the planned new urban village near Forster Square are dashed by consultants who say it may be difficult because of the position of the culverted Bradford Beck.

It is likely to be replaced by a series of linked water gardens running to Broadway.

International urban design consultants Urbed were commissioned by Bradford Council and Bradford Centre Regeneration - the company spearheading the renaissance of the city - to kick-start Alsop's vision.

The consultants found that at the time the plan was produced, demand for development was weak and land relatively cheap in Bradford.

But development pressure is now building, bringing greater opportunities for the re-awakening city.

The consultants say market confidence has returned to the city following a difficult period in the 1990s, but they warn: "This time it is vital this growth is harnessed to preserve and enhance the architectural legacy we have inherited and create an equally strong legacy for the future."

If adopted by Bradford Council after a five-week public consultation which starts tomorrow, the guide will be a yardstick when city centre planning applications are determined.

Bradford Council's executive member for the environment Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "The masterplan could have been a consultant's blue sky thinking with people paddling in lakes and lollipops on sticks.

"This is translating it into level thinking for the public, developers, highways engineers and planners about how it can be achieved in practical terms.

"It brings Alsop down to earth and its aims are laudable."

Alsop's four neighbourhoods within the city - the Bowl, Channel, Valley and Market - are formally adopted in the design guide, with distinct identities and characters.

The guide describes the way in which the master plan is being interpreted and the quality of design being sought as well as giving practical advice about what is expected of new buildings and public works.

The city would get new "star" buildings to add to its heritage of jewels including City Hall, the Wool Exchange and Alhambra Theatre. Future gems could include the development on the site of the Odeon Cinema and a new magistrates court.

Planners would require all "star" buildings to be put out by developers to international architectural competition to achieve the best design.

Ninety-five percent of the new buildings would be the "supporting cast" but would still be required to meet top standards.

Marc Cole, operations director of Bradford Centre Regeneration, said: "The design guide will be an invaluable tool for future development in Bradford, helping to ensure the highest possible quality of all new schemes in the city centre.

"Guides like this have proved their worth in the development of other major cities such as Manchester and Birmingham and the Bradford guide is likely to lead the way in regeneration for many other English towns and cities to follow.

"It will allow Bradford to create a city centre where everyone can be proud of living, working, learning and one that people will invest in."