(Image: T&A)
Business owners near an old Bradford city centre market have spoken of their concerns following a major fire at the building.
Firefighters were called to John Street at 6.42pm on Saturday after reports of a fire at the Oastler Shopping Centre.
Crews spent the night tackling the blaze and remained at the scene until at least 9am on Sunday, around 14 hours after the alarm was first raised.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed the fire was brought under control overnight, although firefighters continued damping down on Sunday morning.
Approved in February, the City Village plan will involve the demolition of Bradford’s Kirkgate Shopping Centre, Oastler Centre and several other buildings to make way for a 1,000 home development.
(Image: T&A)
A broken window and smoke staining can be seen at the former Oastler Shopping Centre after a major overnight fire. (Image: T&A)
Trader feared fire could spread to neighbouring businesses
Among those affected was Kamran Faiz, owner of Bisimillah Phones, whose shop is located close to the former shopping centre.
Mr Faiz said he became aware of the incident after reviewing CCTV footage outside his business and rushed to the scene to check whether his premises had been affected.
He said: "When I checked the CCTV, I was shocked. I quickly came from my house to here.
"I asked the police and fire crews if my shop was okay. They told me it was safe, but at that point you don't know what's happening."
Describing the scene, he added: "About 10 minutes later I was outside and could see quite a large fire. It was massive."
Although his shop escaped damage, Mr Faiz said there were genuine fears among nearby business owners that the fire could spread.
He said: "Of course we were worried."
(Image: T&A)
Damage can be seen to the former Oastler Shopping Centre following a fire which kept firefighters at the scene overnight in Bradford city centre. (Image: T&A)
Road closures impact trade
Mr Faiz said the incident and associated road closures had also affected trading on Sunday.
"Every time they close the road, we lose business," he said.
"This morning, some customers didn't want to come because of the road closures. They need to sort everything as soon as possible."
(Image: T&A)
Firefighters remain at scene overnight
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire involved a unit within a derelict building measuring approximately 100m by 50m, with around 75 per cent of the unit affected by the blaze.
Crews used three large jets, one hose reel and four breathing apparatus sets to tackle the fire.
Firefighters from Bradford, Odsal, Shipley, Keighley, Illingworth and Spen Valley attended, alongside an aerial ladder platform from Huddersfield and several specialist support units.