More than 3,000 people have signed a petition asking for all or part of
the city centre Odeon Cinema to be listed as a building of special
historical or architectural importance.And campaigners have written to
the Department of Culture, Media and Sport asking for it to be given
special status.Building contractor Norman Littlewood said he had also
received large postbags from people writing letters of support.Today a
department spokesman said they had received notification of Mr
Littlewood's intention to place a full submission which would be
considered.Mr Littlewood's campaign follows the creation of a visionary
master plan for Bradford city centre by top international architect Will
Alsop.The master plan was commissioned by Bradford Centre Regeneration -
the joint venture company set up to breathe new life into the city.The
master plan shows only the twin domes of the Odeon retained and there
have been many calls during public consultation for a prestige concert
hall on the site.Now the company's chief executive Maud Marshall has
ordered a full survey on the Odeon to show its structural state and
practicalities.She said: "At this stage we have not ruled anything in or
out. We are awaiting the results of the survey."The company is also
obtaining expert advice on proposals for the opening up of a stretch of
canal and a lake round City Hall included in the master plan.Mr
Littlewood has taken petition forms into shops throughout the district
and says the Odeon is a part of Bradford's heritage which should not be
lost."The response has been tremendous and many people feel strongly
about it," he said.
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