A world-famous Bradford landmark may be taken over for shopping or offices after standing empty for years.

It is understood two rival companies are likely to make offers for Conditioning House next week.

The development of the nearby Forster Square Retail Park has rekindled interest in the massive building on Old Canal Road.

But the Grade II listed site, which was closed by Bradford Council as a wool testing centre ten years ago, has fallen into disrepair and been vandalised.

Grandiose schemes, including one a 170-bedroomed hotel have collapsed in the past.

The £15 million four-star hotel scheme failed to get funding in spite of approaches to more than 40 potential investors.

Hopes in 1994 of refurbishing the building - known to many as the jewel in the city's crown- to become the new Inland Revenue base were also dashed when it chose Forster Square.

The two five-storey buildings which make up the Conditioning House were constructed in 1902.

But the original building was set up in 1867 by Bradford Corporation with an Act of Parliament at the request of the Victorian city woolcombers to sample the weight and quality of wool. The process was known as conditioning.

It was the only Council-run centre for the testing of wool in the country.

By 1989 it had one thousand clients world-wide but was sold by the Council after making losses.

Councillor Dave Green, chairman of Bradford's regeneration committee, said: "We will obviously have a close look at the details to make sure we select the right option. We will look in terms of the planning aspect and to be sure it enhances the city centre and its environs. It is a building which has a certain presence in Bradford, not just in physical but cultural terms."

Today the architect for the owners, Adam Clarke of Bradford-based Halliday Clarke, said two companies were interested and were likely to make offers next week.

He said the development of the nearby Forster Square Retail Park had rekindled interest in the famous building.

"The interest is in retail - possibly factory-type shopping - or offices,'' he added.

No comment was available from the owners, the Lincolnshire Douglas Partnership.

But Bradford Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "I remember it well when it was operating and it is a major part of Bradford's history. I would like to see it redeveloped but we would have to see a detailed planning application.

l The Conditioning House is the second landmark building which could be resurrected after falling into disrepair. Bradford Council hopes to buy Listers Mill with finance from English Partnerships.

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