Plan to turn former Odeon back into live venue set to get green light

But the work is now on to secure all the funding needed for the ambitious project.

Bradford Live's plan to turn the disused Art Deco landmark into a 4,000-capacity venue is expected to be approved by senior councillors next Tuesday.

Its director, Lee Craven, welcomed the news.

He said: "It is a great step forward but we have still got work to do on the funding.

"But it is a good way of finishing the year, for Bradford and for the building."

The Odeon is currently owned by Bradford Council, which is carrying out work to clear the building and make it safe.

Councillor David Green, leader of Bradford Council, said: "I'm delighted that we have got what appears to be a viable scheme.

"Clearly Bradford Live need some comfort from the Council in terms of this approval to allow them to go away to secure the additional financial backing that they need.

"What I am hoping is that we can get to a point where the whole scheme goes unconditional as soon as possible, because I think the people of Bradford have invested their faith in the people coming forward to develop the Odeon.

"I think they, as I, want to see further progress as soon as possible."

Bradford Live's scheme is recommended for endorsement at a meeting of the Council's Executive at City Hall on Tuesday, when Mr Craven will be giving a presentation on his plans.

The project could be completed as early as the first half of 2018, if the funding is secured.

New details have also emerged about the financial plan behind the ambitious project.

The renovation would cost £18.3 million, but could be done all at once or in two phases.

The money would come both from the private and public sector.

The as-yet unnamed commercial operator looking to run the venue could put in £5 million to £6 million. Bradford Live has also applied for £3 million from the Government's Regional Growth Fund and wants to bid for cash from other sources such as the Lottery's Heritage Enterprise scheme.