Work could begin next year

The city council has issued compulsory purchase orders to help secure all the land needed for the development.

The central Broadmead area is to be transformed, with a new layout and more than 100 new shops.

Statutory notices will now be sent to all owners and tenants of properties within the 15 hectare development area.

2007

Permission for the renovations has been granted, and it is hoped work can begin in 2004.

If confirmed, the purchase orders would only be enforced in those cases where a deal cannot be reached by agreement with developers Bristol Alliance.

The scheme will include a new department store, although Selfridges have confirmed it will not be them, more shops and new houses.

It is hoped to be open in 2007.