Britain's "largest" luxury Asian shopping mall has now opened in England. A 45 minute drive from Greater Manchester, the 50,000 square foot development called 'The Signature Mall' is located in Listerhills, Bradford, West Yorkshire, and provides an extensive selection of retail, dining and entertainment options.

Planning permission for the site was submitted in 2021 but received the green light in 2023. Altogether, it took five years to open the shopping centre and it opened on May 16. It has 39 retail units selling fashion, footwear, jewellery, and fragrances. For those coming from Pakistan, it will be a special place, as it will offer "exclusive access to Pakistan's most popular retail brands and eateries", according to the website states. The venue also features a substantial 10,000 square foot food hall with capacity for over 200 diners, containing nine food outlets, alongside an "exclusive Michelin star restaurant".

Clothing prices span from hundreds to thousands of pounds, with certain wedding gowns priced at £2,500, Manchester Evening News reports. Its social media channels describe it as the "UK's Largest Asian Shopping Mall" claiming that as soon as you drive into the 120-space car park, "you feel like you are coming into the Middle East". Another says that everything has been "meticulously designed" so when shoppers enter, they feel transported to Asia.

According to the most recent ONS census from 2021, 30.5% of Bradford residents identified themselves as Muslim. Visitors who attended yesterday said it resembled being in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, Manchester Evening News reports. A number of the mall's design elements, such as the stone flooring, chandeliers, and granite walls, have been sourced from across Asia and Africa, including the Middle East, India, and Morocco.

The owners said the opening of the site represents 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."