Preparatory work has got underway ahead of the development of a new £24.4m city park designed to transform the centre of Bradford, West Yorkshire.

The proposed 6-acre (2.4-hectare) park is set to be centred around a 4,200sq m (45,200sq ft) mirror pool, boasting causeways, special effects and a series of fountains reaching 30m (98.4ft) in height. Minor highway and public transport alterations have been made by Bradford Metropolitan District Council to allow construction work to start, while the footbridge over Hall Ings will also be demolished.

Plans for Bradford City Park also include green spaces, public art, relaxation and play areas, while the park can be drained in order to provide space for public events with a capacity of 10,000 people. Adrian Naylor, executive member for regeneration and economy for the council, said: "The City Park is a key pedestrian route through the city and accessible meeting place for everyone. It's important we create a traffic-free space and improve links across the city."