THE team hoping to breathe new life into Bradford's former Odeon building has been dealt a major blow, as a £5 million bid for Lottery cash has been refused.

The money would have provided around a third of the cash needed to turn the 1930s building back into a live music venue.

The businessman behind the scheme, Lee Craven, said there had been fierce competition for the Heritage Lottery Fund cash.

But he said he was determined to persevere with the project, despite the set-back.

He said: "We have come a long way. We are not going to give up now."

A spokesman for the Heritage Lottery Fund said: "The Bradford Odeon project was unsuccessful at the Board meeting yesterday.

"It was an extremely competitive meeting, and the trustees had to take decisions on more projects than the available budget would support.

"Officers from our Yorkshire and Humber team will be meeting the applicant to discuss both the decision and next steps in the near future."

The Odeon building is owned by Bradford Council, which recently completed a £1.32m Government-funded programme of repairs to the structure.

Council leader, Councillor David Green, said: "Clearly it is a major disappointment.

"I have been in touch with Bradford Live and what we are waiting for is the details and the reasoning behind the decision.

"Once we have got that, we will be meeting with Bradford Live to look at options."