CELEBRATIONS were today underway as The Channel scheme cleared the final hurdle on its route to reality.

Harold Robinson, director of Bradford Channel Limited, the company behind the £350m scheme, and Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration, raised their glasses to the success of the venture.

And what more fitting beverage for the toast than a drop of the soft stuff . . . water . . .as The Channel will see the reintroduction of water to the city centre via a stunning canal basin and a series of exciting water features.

The plan has been cleared to go forward by Government Office and, with planning already agreed by Bradford City Council, Bradford Channel Limited will now be able to begin planning the first phase of the scheme.

As with all huge developments it will take time to ensure all the necessary land and infrastructure issues are dealt with but work has already started on detailed plans for the first buildings.

The Channel is part of one of the four “neighbourhoods” set out within the overall Alsop masterplan for central Bradford and will be the first delivered with building work beginning early next year.

The landmark scheme, designed by Bradford-based Robinson Design Group, features two towers of 16 and 24 storeys as well as a covered winter garden with cafés, bars and exhibition areas to provide a year-round leisure facility.

Dr Robinson said: “We are now under starter’s orders and have the all clear to move forward. After years of negotiations and planning it is a very exciting time for us and for the city of Bradford.

“We say our aim is to create a living, breathing urban village where real people can make a home, earn a living and have fun – and that is not just developer speak!

“I am personally extremely pleased to be associated with the regeneration and renaissance of Bradford – which is now listed as one of the UK’s fastest up-and-coming property investment hotspots.

“I have always lived and worked in this area, my companies are based here and now I get to help to mould the future of the city that is so close to my heart,” he said.

Bradford Channel Limited is a consortium headed by Dr Robinson’s Bradford-based Magellan Properties.

Maud Marshall, chief executive for Bradford Centre Regeneration, said: “This is an extremely important and positive step forwards for the city and the regeneration programme. The Channel will play a significant part in Bradford’s renaissance and help to create a city that has real impact and distinction.

“The Channel is an ambitious scheme that encapsulates everything that is at the heart of the city’s regeneration programme. It offers a vibrant space in which a sustainable community can grow, live, learn and play in.

“I am looking forward to seeing the next stages of the development progress and seeing The Channel evolve into a unique waterside community that the city can be really proud of.”

Cllr Andrew Mallinson, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “It is great to see a local business that knows the Bradford district so well and has witnessed both good and bad times here now having the confidence to invest in our future.

“We are delighted to be associated with such a key project and are looking forward to working with Magellan Properties to bring it to fruition."

The 5.3-hectare scheme will ultimately create a mixture of apartments, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, offices, a hotel, leisure and healthcare facilities - all based around the theme of water.

The design also provides links to existing facilities within the city, such as Forster Square Station, the new Broadway Shopping Mall and the fast emerging Little Germany residential and office community.

Email: angus.hoy@coolbluebrand.com