19 July 2012 Last updated at 08:23 ET

M&S signs for Bradford's long-delayed Broadway centre

Work started in 2004 but was halted in 2008 leaving a building site in the city centre

Marks and Spencer has signed an agreement to lease a store in Bradford's long-delayed Broadway centre, according to developers.

Westfield also confirmed Next will have a store in the city centre development.

Work on the Westfield retail development started in March 2004, but was halted in February 2008 which left a building site in the city centre.

Duncan Bower, of Westfield, said the news would be a "catalyst to attracting further retailers".

Mr Bower, director of development, said Westfield had been working closely with Marks and Spencer over many months to confirm details.

'Significant milestone'

The company will lease 63,000 sq ft (5,900 sq m) and Next 32,000 sq ft (3,000 sq m) of the development as so-called "anchor stores", Westfield said.

Debenhams committed to the scheme in 2011.

Planning permission for a smaller scheme was granted in 2011

Mr Bower said: "Westfield is in serious discussions with many well-known retailers who have expressed strong demand in the centre".

In 2011, Westfield secured planning permission for a scaled-back £275m scheme with 70 shops and restaurants.

Andrew Varley, of Next, said the new store would be the company's largest in the city and the news demonstrated "the confidence we have in the city and the scheme".

Councillor David Green, leader of Bradford Council, said the announcement was a "significant milestone for the project".