There is no doubt that the former Odeon cinema has for many years been an instantly recognisable landmark on the city centre skyline. In many ways it is an attractive building very much of its era. Its past as a cinema, theatre and ballroom dating from the 1930s means that many Bradford people have fond personal memories of it.

Sadly, over the years it has become dilapidated. In addition, the way it has been carved up for various uses means that its interior has been badly damaged, arguably beyond reinstatement. So the idea of trying to win it listed-building status is one to be handled with extreme caution.

Above all, it is sitting on a large site which is extremely important to the future regeneration of Bradford city centre. The debate about its future use has barely started. It is by no means a foregone conclusion that the Spice! project will be located on the site. Spice! is an exciting and fascinating idea which could bring huge benefits to Bradford but it is doubtful that this is the right location for it, at the heart of the entertainment quarter close to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, the Alhambra and much of the city's night life.

The idea gaining most ground at the moment is for a prestigious concert hall on the site which would help to re-establish Bradford as a major cultural force in the North and give it at least one unique aspect to help to distinguish it from its neighbour Leeds, which has had more than its share of regeneration investment.

Whether such an international-scale facility could be built within the existing premises or whether it should echo its history remains to be seen.