PLANS to restore the Odeon have been praised as a model for success by a national organisation.

But it remains on the Theatres Trust’s Theatres at Risk Register 2018, which was launched at the Soho Theatre in London yesterday.

The organisation identifies sites that are in danger of closing or being demolished.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, and Lee Craven, from Bradford Live, were invited to speak about the Odeon at the event, where the project was held up as a success.

And host comedian Dara O Briain warned of the “waste of potential” Britain faces through losing its theatres, with 35 buildings listed as being under threat.

The Odeon remains on the at risk register in 25th place.

Lee Craven, speaking on behalf of Bradford Live, said: “Working closely with Bradford Council we are making excellent progress dealing with the detail of the agreements.

“The Design Team have started work on the detailed planning of the building, working in close partnership with the NEC Group, and we will be meeting next week in Birmingham to review progress. There’s much work ahead, but the momentum is building quickly”

Jon Morgan, director of the Theatres Trust, urged people to support campaigns to save theatres and said they “contribute significantly” to the local economy.

He said: “It makes your town a destination and for every seat sold you can then multiply that by at least five or six for money spent elsewhere on transport and dining.”

Cllr Ross-Shaw said the Odeon is expected to boost Bradford’s economy by £10 million a year as people are drawn to the city centre to attend events.

He added: “We did have a quick chat with Dara O Briain, he’s a big fan of St George’s Hall. We did offer to take him around the Odeon at some point too, but we have a long way to go yet.

“The Theatres Trust are really delighted that we have been able to reduce the risk level for the Odeon.”

The register ranks buildings by three criteria - building risk, star rating and community value - with three being the highest ‘at risk’ score in each category.

The Odeon was rated as two for risk to the building, one for its star value such as the architectural quality and heritage of the building, and two for its importance to the community.

This year two theatres were added to the register and three were removed because they had been demolished or earmarked for demolition.

Speaking at the event, Dara O Briain said: “We understand these are difficult times for councils and I could be standing here talking about libraries or community care. But councils need to tilt their thinking and see theatres as assets that can give a heart to local communities rather than a liability that needs to be removed.

“Also the more amazing rooms there are, the more places I can do shows. I say that on behalf of all performers, if you build them we will come.”