A Bradford MP is calling for a rethink on the city’s Odeon building amid uncertainty over its future ownership.

The call follows the announcement that Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency which owns the site, is to be wound down by 2012.

Now David Ward, MP for Bradford East, has called on Bradford Council to ‘think again’ over the site’s future.

The 1930s building has been earmarked for demolition to make way for the £40 million New Victoria Place development of offices, apartments, hotel and restaurants. While the Council gave consent for the Odeon to be demolished and passed the designs for New Victoria Place last year, it is subject to a legal agreement which has not yet been signed.

Liberal Democrat Mr Ward said he wanted to ask Councillor David Green, in his role as portfolio holder for regeneration, if he would reconsider the future of the Odeon. Mr Ward said: “What’s changed is the possible ownership of the building with Yorkshire Forward on its last legs.

“Will the building transfer to the Council at some point? I’m trying to find out from Business Secretary Vince Cable about what happens to the ownership of Yorkshire Forward’s assets when it disappears.

“Currently, in terms of the building and the design of any future building, it is a good time to think again about the proposal, about having a building that doesn’t incorporate the features of the existing building. Everything is up for grabs now in terms of the possibilities.”

Coun Green said he has asked for details of the agreements between the Council, Yorkshire Forward and developer Langtree Artisan. He said: “I would like to hold discussions with the developer as soon as I am clear what the situation is, to look at how the site can be and will be developed.

“Regarding the demise of Yorkshire Forward, as a Council we are looking to our MPs to help secure the assets that Yorkshire Forward holds in Bradford.”

Yorkshire Forward revealed last month that it will clad the Odeon building ahead of the opening of the £24.4m City Park scheme due to be finished next summer.

It agreed to the move amid concerns that the building would overshadow the park. Yorkshire Forward was unable to confirm what will happen to the building when the organisation is scrapped. Langtree Artisan has not yet responded to Mr Ward’s call.