The development of a £24.4m City Park in Bradford offering residents a large water feature, green spaces, public art, relaxation and play areas will soon be underway.

The six-acre site will be centred around a 4,200sq m (45,200sq ft) mirror pool with causeways, special effects and a series of fountains reaching up to 30m high.

Although the use of water is central to the design, the park can also be drained to provide an urban area for public events, such as concerts and markets, hosting up to 10,000 people.

Cllr Adrian Naylor, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration & economy, said: "The City Park is a critical step forward for Bradford's regeneration, bringing world-class public realm to the city centre. The park has been designed to bring jobs and prosperity to Bradford. It will attract visitors and investors and raise land and property values. The project will connect the city centre, enhance the overall image of the city and help create the landscape for investment in the city centre.

"Today's announcement marks a key stage in Bradford's regeneration and demonstrates the public sector commitment to investing in the city's future."

Construction work on the scheme, funded by the council, Yorkshire Forward, the Homes and Communities Agency and the Regional Transport Board, will kick off this autumn.

The park is expected to attract 2.2 million visits each year, bringing an extra £80m annually to the local economy, according to an independent report by Locum Consulting.