Theatre experts have been called in to try and improve the restricted sightlines at Bradford’s historic St George’s Hall.

They will look at the sightlines, legroom, seat comfort and costs of doing any work, while maintaining the hall’s renowned acoustics.

Theatretech Consultants are being paid £32,000 to draw up a plan to improve the view from many of the seats in the 1,620 auditorium of the city’s premier concert hall.

Adam Renton, the Council’s manager for theatres, concert halls and community arts, said: “The primary objective is to develop a plan to improve seat comfort and also sightlines in some of the restricted-view seating, bringing the 150-year-old auditorium up to a more modern standard without losing the wonderful acoustics.

“Part of the specification includes the creation of a 3D computer model showing the view from current seating areas and again with proposed improvements.”

The specialists are expected to report back next month with their initial findings. Final recommendations are due in January and will then be considered by senior Council officers and councillors.

It follows a study in 2006 which saw experts considering audience potential across the region with a view to establishing the city as a major concert venue.

Creating a new purpose-built concert hall and the possibility of converting the former Odeon building were ruled out in favour of a makeover of St George’s Hall. This was deemed to have the greatest chance of creating a sustainable commercial success.

The consultants recommended expanding and improving St George’s Hall because of two significant strengths – its city centre location and its outstanding acoustics.

At the time, a revamp was expected to cost between £5 million and £15 million, depending on the scale and reach of the final plans.

The 1853 building is Grade II* listed, so English Heritage would need to be consulted on any internal and external changes and the appropriate consent gained.