Six companies got off the starting mark today in a bid to get their multi-million pound development plans accepted for Odsal stadium.

A major exhibition was staged at City Hall where developers and members of the public got together to discuss the new schemes, following the failure of John Garside's Superdome to get off the ground.

The developers pledged schemes could go ahead without delays and promised the public they would be involved throughout the operation.

The schemes range from building a new 50,000-seater stadium to refurbishing the existing stadium to create a 25,000 seater covered arena. All the schemes include shopping developments and leisure facilities. But the original Superdome concept could still go ahead if Bradford Council accepts the bid by the Odsal Dome company.

Superdome UK has given the company the exclusive right to use its plans.

And today Howard Mawson representative of the agents advising on commercial elements for the company said there would be only "subtle changes" to the plan for a 70,000 seat arena and sliding roof.

Nick Kay, senior development surveyor for St Modwen Properties, which wants to built a 50,000 seater stadium said he was confident the company could meet the timescale, bearing in mind that the existing planning consent for the site was due to run out in 18 months time. He said they were not dismayed by the competition. "It is what you would expect in a scheme of such national importance. But our scheme is realistic and deliverable." Carlo Comminos of Chelverton Properties which has linked with Yorkshire Water Estates to produce two alternative schemes said traffic concerns would be a top priority and they would liaise with residents who feared problems.

Other companies which have submitted bids are Alfred McAlpine, with plans for a 25,000 seater stadium; Stadivarious/Pillar Properties with a stadium, leisure, shopping and hotel.

The Council has appointed Roger Serginson of consultants Angermann, Goddard, Loyd of London to carry out an independent evaluation.

He will present a report to Wednesday's meeting of the Council's Regeneration Committee. A decision on the next stage in the appointment process will be taken at the meeting.

Today's exhibition in the banqueting hall at City Hall will run until 7pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.