Campaigners have unveiled alternative plans to turn Bradford’s former Odeon cinema into a music venue and archive, should the building be saved from demolition.

The group wants to restore the 1930s building and preserve its towers to enable it to be turned into the John Peel Centre for the North. As well as showcasing up-and- coming musical talent, it would allow visitors to listen to the late DJ’s extensive record collection, which is being digitised.

Jim Mitcham, of the Save the Odeon campaign, told the Telegraph & Argus the plan has been inspired by the original John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, based in Stowmarket near the presenter’s home.

He said Mr Peel’s widow Sheila, who was born in Shipley, had welcomed the move. The couple met at a gig at Bradford University and Mr Peel went on to be made an honorary graduate in 2001.

Any alternative plans rely on owners of the building, the Homes and Commun-ities Agency, pulling out of an agreement it already has with another developer which wants to demolish the Odeon and build the New Victoria Place scheme of apartments, offices and a hotel.

Mr Mitcham said: “We are trying to get into a position where this scheme is worked up and financially viable. At the moment all the HCA is saying to us is that they can’t consider alternative plans but we can approach the developer, Langtree.”

The group is in discussion with investors to secure financial backing for the restoration of the building.

The HCA is expected to sign legal terms shortly for the New Victoria Place scheme, which will trigger an eight-month period for Langtree to start the demolition of the former Odeon. The developer will then have to demonstrate to Bradford Council that it has a contract in place to develop the entire project before demolition can take place.

An HCA spokesman said: “Due to the legal agreement we inherited, we’re unable to consider alternative proposals for the site but third parties are free to approach the developer.”

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