Bantams boost the 'icing on the cake' for city

Bradford City players soaked up the atmosphere during Tuesday evening's celebrations

Businesses will enjoy a "huge" economic uplift after Bradford City's dramatic promotion to League One, a commerce leader has said.

The Bantams' last-gasp promotion, secured in the 96th minute of the final game of the season against Fleetwood Town, sparked celebrations across the city, with thousands gathering for an open-top bus parade on Tuesday.

City centre bars and restaurants already benefit from rises in footfall on matchdays, especially in areas like North Parade which have become popular pre and post-match destinations for fans.

And Mark Cowgill, president of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said the "Bantams boost" could be massive for the wider local economy.

"It means a huge amount," said Mr Cowgill - himself a lifelong Bradford City fan.

"With the challenges that Bradford's had and with everything else that's gone on in the city this year - the City of Culture, the city centre being transformed, Bradford Live opening imminently - what we needed for that icing on the cake was City to get promoted.

"And that's happened.

"It drives business into the city and to the surrounding businesses. And it's the difference between some of those businesses surviving and thriving or struggling."

Mr Cowgill hopes the club's new League One status will attract more visitors - and their cash - to the district. Larger away followings from visiting clubs will also boost revenue for transport companies and other sectors, he said.

Mark Cowgill, president of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, with wife Linzi, pictured at Bradford City's stadium Valley Parade

Mr Cowgill said many opportunities for further growth lay in the "knock-on effect" of sporting success as well as the boost from City of Culture.

"How do we continue to make culture the heart of what we do? Sport is absolutely culture, football's culture, and bringing that into the city is just huge."

Mr Cowgill said the "feel-good factor" would have a wide impact on businesses in the short term, but could reap even bigger rewards long term.

"What we've got to do now is double down on the transformation that's happened in the city centre, and not only get people to come to the match, but stay afterwards, go see something at Bradford Live or the Alhambra or St George's Hall - and drive that economy harder and faster continuously."

It is hoped Bradford's promotion will encourage more children to take up football

He pointed to other football clubs helping boost their local areas to the tune of "tens of millions" through promotion - and said Bradford's economy could "absolutely" expect a significant uplift.

"Whenever something positive happens in your local area, people celebrate that and they want to go out and do more. The hospitality sector does - by a long way - boost most significantly compared to any other.

"But maybe it'll also persuade people to start playing five-a-side in an evening or join a local club - which in turn, people then need to buy kit or new boots.

"It's all those other bits that it brings in from the supporters and connected, but not necessarily directly connected, businesses."

Fans flocked to City Park and Centenary Square on Tuesday evening as the Bantams celebrated with a bus parade.

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