Bradford’s derelict former Odeon cinema could be covered in temporary cladding to prevent it being a blot on the landscape ahead of the opening of the £24.4 million City Park next year.

Yorkshire Forward, which owns the former cinema, is considering the move amid concerns that the “damaging sight” of the run-down 1930s building would overshadow the showpiece development.

Bradford Council’s Conservative group leader, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, has called on the regional development agency to take action to avoid the former cinema blighting the mirror pool and City Park, which will stand opposite.

The building is earmarked for demolition to make way for the £40 million New Victoria Place development of offices, apartments, a hotel and a restaurant.

Coun Hawkesworth said: “I believe Yorkshire Forward should examine options for improving the appearance of the building, perhaps including the erection of a drape of some sort between the towers.”

She said the Council could not risk the damaging sight of the Odeon overshadowing the City Park, the first stage of which is due to be completed next summer.

Jan Anderson, Yorkshire For-ward’s executive director of environment, said: “We have been in discussions with our development partner Langtree Artisan and with the Council as we consider temporary cladding.”

Last year the Council gave consent for the Odeon to be demolished and passed the designs for New Victoria Place, subject to the signing of a legal agreement which forbids demolition before Langtree Artisan has the money and tenants in place to ensure its replacement is built.

e-mail: jo.winrow@telegraphandargus.co.uk