New Bradford leisure development a boost to pub business

A new leisure development in the centre of Bradford in Yorkshire is attracting a great deal of interest.

The new 280,000sq ft Leisure Exchange (artists impression pictured)​, which is being built by Gallagher Developments, is due to be ready in time for Christmas - meaning any pubs which move into the new development will open at a peak trading time.

Licensed property agent Christie & Co has started to market the final phase of the development ahead of its opening in December.

The Leisure Exchange is close to the city centre in a easily accessible location. It faces the Shipley Airedale Road and Bradford's rail and bus stations are just a few yards away.

There is a cinema in the complex along with a 28-lane bowling alley and an on-site car park with spaces for 1,000 cars.

Above the cinema is a 120-bedroom hotel, as yet without an operator, which overlooks the central piazza - where the complex's pubs, bars and restaurants will be located.

There are five units which have permission for A3 use available in the piazza.

Simon Hawkins, from Christie & Co, said: "The units in the piazza range from 3,200sq ft to 7,000sq ft. But in actual fact we can put two units together which would take it up to about £13,000sq ft.

"There is also one unit which fronts the piazza but is actually in the main cinema complex."

Mr Hawkins said he thought the complex would be a success. "It's on time to open for Christmas," he said. "It'll be good for Bradford."

Jon Patrick, director of leisure and development at Christie & Co, agreed. "The Leisure Exchange is a major strategic development," he said. "With high traffic flow and ease of access, this leisure park has the benefit of a significant office population surrounding it.

With the anchor tenants in place we have the flexibility to provide A3 accommodation suitable for a range of licensed leisure applications or uses."

The developers and agent are confident the site will attract major pub operators. "The Leisure Exchange has really taken shape," said Gallagher Developments managing director Paul Cross. "Site progress is excellent and we are sure that operators will see how well the scheme can work."

Further information is available from: Christie & Co on 0113 389 2710 or Dunlop Heywood on 0113 244 9229.