UK's largest Asian shopping centre opening its doors in Bradford

THE final touches are being made to a major new Bradford shopping centre, which will be the country’s biggest Asian mall once it opens.

Signature Mall opens this Saturday, and will be home to 36 shops and a “food gallery” with nine food businesses.

The project has transformed the vacant former Xercise4less on Preston Street in Listerhills into an extravagant shopping venue that is expected to attract customers from around the country.

Elaborate chandeliers, palm trees, marble floors and quirky sculptures mean the mall is a far cry from what is found on the surrounding streets, an industrial area on the outskirts of Bradford city centre.

The building has been rendered, with grand new features and decorations added onto the plain brick of the former building.

Colourful sculptures are dotted around the outside of the building – and are likely to be popular with younger visitors looking to get some photos for the grid.

But it is only when you step inside that you can see the true extent of the building’s transformation.

The interior is unlike anything else in Bradford, more like you would get in a luxury resort than a converted gym.

Plans to convert the building were approved in 2023.

Sukhjit Singh Dua, owner of the mall, said: “We’ve had brands come from abroad, some come from Birmingham, from London. Others are local. It is a mix of brands.

“You can see that people have spent good money on these shop units, and we’ve invested a lot in the building.”

He said the development has created 300 jobs.

Among the shop units are businesses selling beauty products, jewellery, men and women’s fashions and footwear.

Signature Food Gallery will include businesses selling Mexican and Turkish food, as well as paratha, Chaat, Burgers, European Street Food tea and desserts.

It will have space for over 200 diners.

A release from the company said the mall will strengthen Bradford’s position as a leading destination for multicultural retail and hospitality.

“The development has been designed to deliver a modern shopping and leisure experience while celebrating the rich cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region.

“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.”

The mall will open at 11am on Saturday and the day will feature opening celebrations, entertainment, family activities, and exclusive launch experiences for visitors throughout the day.