THE former Bradford Odeon is one step closer to being brought back into use, thanks to a boost of more than £300,000.

Not-for-profit organisation Bradford Live is hoping to turn the landmark into the city’s biggest live venue but needs to find £15 million to make it happen.

Today, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which oversees economic and transport matters, agreed to either give or loan the project £325,000 from its Local Growth Fund.

Project director Lee Craven said the money would be used to unveil a sight which hadn’t been seen in decades - the building’s original auditorium.

He said: “We are delighted to receive the investment. It is going to fund the next crucial stage of the restoration, which is taking out the 1960s cinemas and revealing the huge 1930s auditorium.

“The point is that will enable people to see for the first time in nearly 50 years that overwhelming space and I think it will play a big part in attracting other funding as well because for the first time they can see the potential without having to imagine it.”

Mr Craven said they were grateful for the support of Bradford Council and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, which are both involved in the Combined Authority.

He said they hoped to start the building work either later this year or early next year.

The vacant cinema is owned by Bradford Council.

Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, who also sits on the Combined Authority, said: “I’m pleased it has been approved.

“The Bradford Live group have done tremendous work talking to a really significant operator and I just have to congratulate them for all they have done to get this far.

“This is all part of a number of elements that need to come together to make this project a success.

“There is still more work to do but the key element will be the discussions Bradford Live are having with an operator.

“If those are successful then the project has a much greater chance of success.”

Cllr Hinchcliffe said Bradford Live had the council’s full support as “we need to make sure they get the best chance possible of success”.

She added: “Obviously, we have always said that if these plans don’t come to fruition, then we have to look at other development opportunities for the site, which could involve asking for permission to demolish, but at the moment we are confident that Bradford Live have a good plan and we are supporting them and doing all we can to realise that plan.”

Bradford Live’s business plan would see a commercial operator fund a large portion of the work.

It also plans to make a fresh application for Lottery funding, after getting a bid for £5m refused earlier this year.