More than 200 people who want construction jobs have joined a bank of workers being set up ready to take advantage of the city's jobs bonanza.

A massive tailor-made workforce is being organised by Bradford Council ready to build a new-look city when construction of the £300 million Broadway shopping scheme starts later this year.

The Council's Links 2 job project is compiling a database of people interested in construction or retail work as the massive scheme progresses.

Already specialist demolition contractor DSM is well on target as buildings in Petergate and parts of Broadway are flattened, linking historic Little Germany with the city for the first time since the 1960s.

DSM has taken on three local employees and the real jobs boost is expected to soon start with the construction of the shopping complex and other major developments across the district due to come on line this year.

The Broadway scheme - which will contain more than 80 shops, apartments and offices - could eventually bring 3,000 jobs to the district and local people are being given priority.

Links 2 wants a bank of skilled workers on hand ready to fill vacancies when they come up.

The project's principal officer Nicky McAlpine said: "We are delighted with the response and with the calibre of people who are contacting us."

She added they were making it clear to people the jobs were not immediately available and were channelling those who applied into training where necessary.

Contractor Hamm C has also taken on five local trainees to work on the restoration of historic Eastbrook Hall in Leeds Road.

The landmark building, which was once known as the Methodist cathedral of the north, was ravaged by fire in 1998.

Now its ornate facade is being restored while the ruined interior is demolished and replaced with a courtyard apartments scheme.

Bradford Council's executive member for the economy, Councillor Simon Cooke, said he was delighted with the progress on the developments and the increasing numbers of people signing up for the jobs' database.

"This is something which will help some of the most deprived areas of Bradford and the signs are good," he added.

Links 2 can be contacted on (01274) 432007.