The two schemes competing to turn the Odeon building into a live venue will not be joining forces.

The groups Bradford One and Bradford Live are both hoping to take over the Council-owned landmark and restore the original auditorium for use as a music and events venue.

But although one of the organisations was keen on a merger, this has now been ruled out by the other.

Gideon Seymour, chairman of Bradford One, confirmed he had recently approached Lee Craven, director of Bradford Live, about combining their efforts, but this offer had been politely declined.

Mr Seymour said: “We would have liked to work with Lee for the benefit of everyone but I respect his wish to work on his own plans.”

Mr Craven said he had seriously considered a merger but on balance had decided against it.