Shopping centre firm brushes off ‘unhelpful’ site occupation

The campaigners gained access to the site of the proposed Westfield shopping centre in the city on Saturday afternoon arguing they were frustrated by what they see as the lack of progress on the site – but Westfield has said it remains committed to the project.

Yesterday, the developers wrote to the occupiers urging them to leave the site.

In the letter, Duncan Bower, director of development for Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd, said: “Westfield has safety concerns as you are currently trespassing on a construction site.”

The letter adds: “In addition to Debenhams, other major anchor retailers are very near to being secured which will help build momentum and attract the additional tenants required before the scheme can progress.

“It’s important that we represent a united front to help market Bradford in a positive and productive way. Although your actions may be well intended, we are concerned that they are counter-productive.

“Rather than protest, it may be more helpful to work with the community to get the positive messages about Bradford out to potential retailers.”

Councillor David Green, Bradford Council leader, has invited protest leaders to meet him at City Hall. Alias Yousaf, a solicitor with Chambers who are providing legal advice to the protesters, has previously said they wanted any meeting to take place at the site.

Last night, a spokesman for Bradford Council said that the meeting invitation still stood.

Shopping centre plans were first discussed in 1998 and major demolition work was later carried out clearing a 10-acre hole in the city centre. Westfield, which took control of the site in 2004, submitted a much smaller planning application last year but work has yet to start.

Protesters are demanding both to meet city’s leaders and a public inquiry saying they are dismayed at the lack of progress. They have pledged to remain on the Westfield site for seven days or until demands are met.