An Asian shopping centre dubbed ‘the biggest in Britain’ opened over the weekend after years of anticipation.
The Signature Mall, in Listerhills, Bradford, will provide ‘exclusive access to Pakistan’s most popular retail brands and eateries’ to visitors from across the country, according to its website.
The mall boasts 36 retail lots selling luxury clothing, shoes, cosmetics and jewellery, plus restaurants and entertainment venues spread across a staggering 50,000 square feet.
Signature has been five years in the making and finally opened its doors to eager shoppers on Saturday.
The day after it opened, videos reposted to the company’s Instagram story showed crowds flocking to the mall’s entrance through the car park, which is fitted out with palm trees, past the entrance gates and around the block.
The shopping centre has been decked out in chandeliers, stone floors and granite walls, with items imported from across Asia and North Africa, ‘meticulously’ chosen to make shoppers feel ‘like you are coming into the Middle East’ as soon as you step inside, according to social media posts by the brand.
In addition to its impressive interiors, visitors may also spot some eye-watering price tags. Shoppers can expect to fork out hundreds or even thousands of pounds for clothes, with some wedding dresses topping £2,500.
Those who have worked up an appetite shopping can grab a bite to eat in the shopping centre’s 10,000 square foot dining area, home to nine food outlets which its website says can accommodate more than 500 customers.
The website also says the dining section features an ‘exclusive Michelin star restaurant’.
The shopping centre’s social media pages are now full of posts promoting the new venue, claiming it will ‘revolutionise’ Britain’s retail landscape.
The boutiques are open Monday-Sunday from 10.30am until 7.30pm, with a special late night on Saturdays, when shops remain open until 10pm.
Meanwhile, restaurants are open Monday-Sunday, from 9am until 11pm.
Owners first sought planning permission for the impressive development back in 2021. The plans were approved in 2023.
They claim the centre will ‘draw thousands of visitors and further cement Bradford’s reputation as a multicultural retail and hospitality hub,’ adding that the shopping centre marks a ‘significant investment in the city and is set to create new employment opportunities.’
A spokesperson said: ‘Signature Mall is more than just a shopping destination, it is a celebration of culture, community, and entrepreneurship.
‘We are proud to bring this exciting new development to Bradford and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond.’