SIR – It has always been my opinion that the Westfield shopping development will be the catalyst to kick-start Bradford’s regeneration.

A lot is riding on it, not least by creating thousands of jobs, acting as an anchor to attract more money and people into the city centre, and strengthening the retail offering.

Without it the city is unlikely to grow and develop, and Bradford will remain in the shadows of Northern rivals such as Manchester and Leeds.

As a global company, with experience of trading through previous recessions, it is in a stronger position than most to develop a shopping centre in the current economic climate.

I believe now is the time for Westfield to bite the bullet and start the construction work in 2009, and help give Bradford the boost it so greatly needs. Westfield will help build confidence among other developers, and get more schemes off the ground.

Bradford has looked a building site for too long, and now is the time to help restore pride and passion in our great city.

Jack MacPherson, Killinghall Road, Bradford