Work is set to start on the new £23million Darley Street Market development in Bradford.

Preparations are underway for the demolition of the existing buildings and vehicle access through Piccadilly has been closed.

The project will commence next month with the demolition of several vacant properties on Darley Street making way for the start of the construction of the new market in early 2022 which is expected to completed in summer 2023.

Bradford Council has taken a 'business as usual' approach to the development and worked hard to reduce the potential impacts on local shops and residents.

Dan Doherty, regional director at the developer Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, said: "We are thrilled to be starting demolition works at Darley Street Markets and we have taken all reasonable measures to avoid as much disruption as possible to the public and adjacent businesses."

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The multimillion pound scheme is expected to help reshape and reinvigorate Bradford city centre. The innovative development will assist in the recovery and development of the high street and city centre offering as well as offer a new space for cultural and community activities.

Architects have designed the market to help showcase the Victorian buildings on Piccadilly by making them more visible.

The Darley Street Market will offer three floors of non-food, fresh food and hot food and drink.

The market's hot food and drink offer will provide seating for up to 500 customers and include a stage for day and evening entertainment.

The hot food setup will follow an independent, street food style concept providing informal indoor and outdoor communal seating to allow customers to linger and experience a bustling markets atmosphere.

The new scheme also includes a new public square which will host commercial, leisure and community events throughout the year.

Jason Longhurst, Interim Strategic Director for Place at Bradford Council, said: "Everyone at the Council is thrilled the work on this project is starting.

"In the coming weeks people will see some real changes to our city skyline and we hope our new animation shows people what they can expect."