THE businessman behind moving an award-winning Indian restaurant to a run-down street in Bradford city centre hopes it will kick-start the area.

Manjinder Sarai has relocated The 1875 from Menston to the former Gasworks nightclub in Ivegate and he hopes the area will boom, like North Parade.

He has taken over all four floors of the building and has ultimate plans to turn it into a boutique hotel, with rooftop terrace bar, function venue and even a night-time champagne delivery service, in what will be a £500,000 investment.

The move is part of a push to bring more restaurants into the city centre and has been welcomed by lobbying group Bradford Breakthrough which, along with Bradford Council, organised the Taste of Bradford initiative to attract more restaurants.

Mr Sarai said the restaurant and bar served Indian street food and craft beers, a change from Menston menu, and it would look to add an a la carte menu as the business took off.

"With Westfield kicking in and spending nearly a quarter of a billion, we felt Westfield have done their homework and if they are prepared to invest that amount, who are we to argue with that.

"With the growth potential that is expected in Bradford, we thought if we don't take part now, in five years' time it could be too much for independents to take that risk. Our partners decided that now would be a good time," he said.

"We do believe in Bradford, it's got a lot of potential. I think if ever there was a chance for a big revival it's now and I would encourage people to look at the potential that is there."

Bradford Breakthrough chief executive Trevor Higgins said he was delighted The 1875 restaurant had come into the city.

"It has drawn on the Taste of Bradford initiative where we have been encouraging people to relocate their restaurants into Bradford," he said.

"It is absolutely brilliant for that area and its regeneration. It would be great to see it building on the back of The Broadway development and to see the area taking off like other parts of Bradford are.

"It's about giving people more reason to stop in Bradford after the stores close, to eat and enjoy themselves, like they can already in other parts of the city, such as North Parade.

"Hopefully this will encourage other businesses to do the same."

Earlier this year The 1875 was granted a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week licence by the Council for the new premises.

A grand opening is planned later this month to coincide with Indian Republic Day on January 26.