New market's opening delayed but demand high

The new Darley Street Market is on the site of the old M&S store

A new market that has been hailed as a chance to revitalise retail and boost footfall will not open until "early" 2025.

Bradford Council confirmed that the completion of the Darley Street project had been pushed back until next year, having originally been due to finish in 2024.

The £27m building will have three floors of stalls and food outlets as well as a public events space.

The council's leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, told the BBC that it "was another milestone" in the city centre's redevelopment.

It is hoped the new market will help regenerate a shopping area hit by closures and businesses moving out

She said: "The building is finished, traders are now coming in.

"We're working with them to fit out their stalls ready for opening, ready for UK City of Culture 2025.

"These are exciting times for Bradford."

She added: "People are really excited about the food offer that's going to be in there. It's going to be a modern market for a modern Bradford."

There is still no firm date for when the market will open but the council said it will be operational for City of Culture 2025

The market, built on the site of an old Marks & Spencer store, was first proposed nine years ago as a way of reviving part of the city centre that had been hit by a large number of businesses moving to the Broadway Shopping Centre.

Last month senior project manager Steve Jenks said there was a waiting list for traders wanting to set up in the new venue.

He said footfall cameras would provide data on how many people were visiting each stall.

Stalls that did not perform well would not have their contracts renewed, which would create a turnover that could see them replaced with traders on the waiting list.

The new venue would replace existing markets at the Oastler and Kirkgate centres, and some stallholders would be given space in Darley Street.

The top floor would have a food and drink hall with bar, stage and large screens.

The middle level would focus on fresh food and accommodate butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers and delicatessens.

Cafes and non-food stalls would be located on the ground floor.

The capacity for the planned events and concerts would be 500 people.