Dramatic water features could run through the city centre feeding into the lake surrounding Bradford City Hall, according to a study carried out by top consultants.

Research by Ove Arup concludes the lake envisaged by Will Alsop in his visionary masterplan for the city is technically feasible.

And although the Leeds-Liverpool Canal itself could not run right into the city as Mr Alsop had outlined, a series of water features could replace it.

The conclusions are expected to be included in research done by Arup which is due to be published shortly. The report was commissioned by Bradford Council, British Waterways and Bradford Centre Regeneration - the joint venture company set up to spearhead the re-birth of the city.

Arup's associate director, Mike Osborne, said the re-opening of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal between Windhill and a site near Forster Square was also possible. It would end in a canal basin surrounded by a new urban village in a huge project estimated to cost up to £350 million.

Bradford Council has already received an outline planning application for the waterside village, which is being examined before going to its regulatory and appeals committee.

The original canal passed through Bradford into the area of St Peter's House but the route is no longer feasible, according to the consultants.

The water features leading to the lake could pass through Market Street which might become a showpiece street of the future bordered by the wool exchange and other historic buildings and leading to Grade I listed City Hall.

But Mr Osborne said the priority was sorting out public transport and pedestrian crossings in Market Street.

He added the city's new dramatic waterside image was made possible because of redundant bore holes which could now be used.

Mr Osborne said the re-opening of the 5.5km stretch of the canal from Shipley to Bradford could bring great economic benefits. "It is looking very positive. Developers are interested and owners along the route are receptive to it."

Bradford Council's executive member for the economy, Councillor Simon Cooke, said: "We are talking about very big projects and it looks very exciting. But it would have to be looked at very closely."

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, said: "We are talking very long-term and there are many other issues to sort out. You are talking about mega-finance implications which would have to come from external sources."