Already in 2014, there’s a sense of growing momentum in the property market.

Most property businesses I’ve spoken to are busy winning new work and prudently recruiting on the back of it. It’s far from a boom, but there’s a cautious confidence in the air.

Consultants forced to look further afield than Yorkshire for work during the recession are spending more time in the region again.

The market is benefiting directly from growth elsewhere in the district’s economy – with employers like R N Wooler in Keighley expanding and others actively on the hunt for land.

The schemes submitted in the first round of bidding to create something new on the Odeon site are further indicators of confidence in Bradford. The concert venue and swimming pool concepts draw extensively on expert knowledge from the Bradford district and further afield – given freely.

These businesses are committing time and cash to support the bids because they believe there’s a real chance of delivering a viable, lasting solution for the site.

The Council will now evaluate all three bids against a clear scorecard.

My own favourite is City Reflections, the swimming pool complex that promises to draw all ages into the city all day, every day.

This is not just because the idea was initiated in discussions at BPF meetings – but also because the venue can be used day and night and captures more potential footfall for the city centre from various demographics than the live music options.