Development: Deal seals future of plaza scheme for Halifax centre

More than 400 jobs are set to be created with 220 long-term jobs being generated as well as almost 200 construction jobs for the main contractor, Elland-based Marshalls Construction.

The regeneration project will boost the local economy to the tune of an additional 8m per annum.

The scheme which is backed by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is more than 70 per cent pre-let.

David Brimblecombe, managing director of Gregory Projects, part of the Leeds-based Gregory Group, said: ''We are delighted that Santander Corporate Banking has agreed to support the first phase of the Broad Street development.

"To secure a funding deal of this size on a major mixed use scheme in the current climate is fantastic news and a very positive message for the region.''

The Yorkshire Post understands Santander has provided a development facility of 20m to assist with the completion of the scheme – a large sum given the dearth of development finance that has been available in recent times.

Santander became involved earlier this year and is keen to push the project forward.

James Espley, relationship director for real estate finance for the company in Leeds, said part of their confidence in the project was Gregory's ''good track record in bringing schemes in Yorkshire to fruition.''

Broad Street Plaza will provide the town's first large scale multiplex cinema, at least one Chinese restaurant, a 100-bed hotel, much-needed car parking as well as a ten-pin bowling alley, NHS offices, a Wetherspoons pub and much more.