A FAMOUS Bradford building received a welcome facelift yesterday after the removal of scaffolding outside it.

The metal structure in question had been hiding the Odeon building since it was erected in 2012, but now the once former cinema has been freed from its shackles in preparation for the next stage of its development.

Lee Craven, Director of Bradford Live, the not-for-profit charitable company that is leading the redevelopment, was inside the building yesterday showing potential demolition contractors round.

He said: "From our point of view, it's nice to see the building without the scaffolding surrounding it.

"We're tendering for demolition contractors at the minute for the inside of the building and aim to start this is November. We hope to put planning permission in for October and everything is on schedule."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said last week that the scaffolding was never designed to be permanent and had reached the end of its lifespan.

The long term aim for the development is to attract national and international performers by reinstating the original auditorium and so creating the biggest "mid-size" venue in the country outside London, with a capacity 4000 for standing events.

The main construction is due to start next summer and the venue is scheduled to open in late 2020.