The owners of the Odeon say it would "not be the best use of public money" to remove the weeds growing out of the derelict former cinema's structure.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, which bought the building in May 2003, spent £60,000 tidying up the unused site.

But since the last clearance of weeds and trees in October 2004, the foliage has returned, creating what some have described as an "embarrassment" in the city centre.

David Custance, head of strategic development and property for Yorkshire Forward, pointed out the cost of the previous weed clearance, and questioned if it was worthwhile to do it again.

He said: "In order to ensure the maintenance could be carried out safely, the building required scaffolding and the work cost in excess of £60,000. We are aware that weeds have returned to the building. However, they have not been deemed a health and safety risk to the structure or the public.

"Therefore, at this time, we are of the opinion that to spend further monies on removing weeds would not be the best use of public money."

At last week's public debate on the future of the Odeon, Bradford Centre Regeneration and the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (BORG) agreed a Health and Safety Executive inspector should decide if the building was safe to enter.

Members of BORG have been blocked from entering the building by Yorkshire Forward because of concerns relating to asbestos.

Norman Littlewood, of BORG, said: "They are happy if it looks terrible because they want it to be pulled down. If they make the building look an embarrassment, it's easier for them to make a case for getting rid of it."

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

DESIGNS ON SITE

The winner of the design-developer competition to transform the Odeon site will be announced in August.

Bradford Centre Regeneration went to the market because of the scale of the Odeon project and to stimulate market interest in the property.

The three finalists will be judged on the following criteria:

  • cost
  • deliverability and viability
  • architectural quality
  • contribution to cityscape
  • maximisation of development potential
  • innovative design
  • programme
  • strong and distinct identity
The competition did not preclude an entry that looked at retaining the existing structure, but not one of the 18 expressions of interest looked at keeping the Odeon in its current form.

The panel of judges will present its findings to be considered by the board of Bradford Centre Regeneration.

The board will in turn make a recommendation to the board of Yorkshire Forward, as owners of the property.

The winning developer will then bring forward a proposal which will go before Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Panel.

The final decision will be made on planning grounds.