The company leading a major study into the future of one of Bradford's biggest eyesores has been named.

Priest Woodward Associates - a firm of architects - will lead a consortium of organisations to look at how derelict Eastbrook Hall could be transformed and redeveloped.

The company is based in Little Germany near the hall and has already played a role in helping to regenerate the former merchants' quarter, known as the jewel in Bradford's crown.

Now it will have a pivotal role in the £40,000 three-month study which it is hoped will finally provide a solution for what has proved to be one of Bradford's lingering redevelopment headaches.

Eastbrook Hall, once a major centre of Methodist worship with seating for 2,200, was closed in 1986 after its interior was found to be riddled with dry rot and the £500,000 repair bill could not be afforded.

It was largely destroyed by a huge fire in February 1996. Over the last decade, a variety of plans have been drawn up to redevelop the site, which stands at the corner of Leeds Road and Chapel Street, but none have come to fruition.

In total, seven organisations are involved in the new consortium, including architects Brewster Bye, already involved in the Silens Works and Treadwell Mill residential schemes in Little Germany, and landscape architects Camlin Lonsdale.

The team also involves environmental consultants Leda, internationally-recognised structural engineers Whitby Bird, quantity surveyors Rex Procter and commercial agents Morgan City Living.

Today Nigel Rice, project director of the Little Germany Urban Village Company, said he was 'potentially very excited' about the prospects which the feasibility study offered for Eastbrook Hall.

"The reason we appointed Priest Woodward is that they have lots of local knowledge," he said.

"However, Camlin Lonsdale come from outside the area so they bring a fresh focus and will ask the sort of questions which those of us who know Little Germany may not necessarily ask."

The study is being funded jointly by Bradford Council and Yorkshire Forward. Although the timescale is tight, Mr Rice believes it is realistic.