"Have your say on the Odeon now," is the message to district residents.

Exciting new plans to transform the cinema site were to go on public display at 1pm today in an exhibition at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford.

Three proposals have been drafted by the finalists of a global competition for development partnerships to redevelop the city-centre site.

A snapshot of opinions in the city centre indicated older residents favoured the scheme which keeps the Odeon towers while younger residents are keen to see a totally new development.

The consultation was launched by Terry Hodgkinson, chairman of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, which intervened to buy the landmark site in 2003.

Mr Hodgkinson said: "We want to hear as many views as possible."

He said the proposals were of an extremely high quality and the solution for the site was not only about the quality of the architecture but the quality of the people behind the schemes.

A panel of representatives from Bradford Council, Bradford Centre Regener-ation, Yorkshire Forward and others with a vested interest, will judge the schemes on the grounds of cost, design and delivery.

They will make a recommendation to the board of Bradford Centre Regener-ation, who will in turn make a recommendation to Yorkshire Forward.

Michael Ziff, chairman of Bradford Centre Regener-ation, which held the competition, said: "Every member of the community has a responsibility to use the opportunity to come and have a look at the three wonderful presentations.

"Then it's for the judges to look and make their decision."

BCR's director of regeneration, Marc Cole, said all the companies had the ability to deliver their vision.

All three schemes propose a mixed-use development, with hotels, apartments, offices, restaurants and grand foyers among ideas.

The costings have not been revealed because of "commercial sensitivities".

Councillor Margaret Eaton, the outgoing council leader, said: "What's really gratifying is the quality of the companies who have put forward the schemes."

  • Developer PPG Land Limited with architect Dyer propose the Bradford Pivot, with retail and leisure space downstairs, residential, office and restaurant space upstairs and accommodation for Bradford College.
  • Langtree Group and Artisan with Carey Jones Architects propose the New Victoria Place a complex of offices, apartments, galleries, a hotel, caf and restaurant with a massive screen on the facade.
  • BioRegional Quintain with Studio Egret West propose to keep the original towers in a mixed-use development called Casa Mela, which will include a hotel, homes, workspace and facilities for Bradford College.

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

YOU SAY
  • "I like the one which keeps the towers. The design is different. The other two look too much like the police station. I don't think they should pull it down because they've pulled down too many old buildings" - Christine Mason, Clayton Heights.
  • "The (Bradford Pivot and New Victoria Place) don't appeal to me at all. The third one (Casa Mela) stands out for me and at least it keeps the towers. It's a nostalgic thing for many older people" - Jack Whiteley, Idle.
  • "Bradford Pivot and New Victoria Place look pretty anonymous, like something you'd find anywhere. We want something quite distinctive and Casa Mela looks best, though it would need some more work" - Bishop of Bradford David James.
  • "They should build something totally new. The (New Victoria Place) suits the area as it fits in with all the other curved stuff. The Odeon is past its sell-by date and it would be a waste to try to renovate it" - Robert Jagger, Clayton Heights.
  • "I don't see the big deal wanting to keep the Odeon. The towers don't say anything about Bradford. I don't think anyone would miss the Odeon. I like the middle one (New Victoria Place). It's a nice design" - Matthew Bakes, Clayton Heights.
  • "We need more quality hotels in Bradford and the (New Victoria Place) looks to have a decent hotel. It also looks like the most professional plan. I like the big screen (on the building's facade)" - Ahmed Khan, Bradford 7.
  • "I really like the (Bradford Pivot) because it's more attractive. I like the design of it. The (New Victoria Place) is also quite nice but I'm not keen on the other one (Casa Mela)" - Maryan Ishaq, of Bradford 8.
  • "Any would be better than what's there now. They all look impressive. I think (New Victoria Place) stands out although (Casa Mela) will be popular with many if it keeps the towers" - Kevin Marshall, Manningham.