The owner of fire-ravaged Eastbrook Hall today welcomed a double boost for the dilapidated listed building.

Alan McMahon, a director of Aldersgate Estates, says companies have already answered advertisements to acquire the historic Bradford building after plans to turn it into offices and a restaurant bit the dust.

And he says the start of work on a massive leisure centre in Vicar Lane two weeks ago is the catalyst needed to get a scheme for Eastbrook Hall off the ground.

Aldersgate has now settled on using the hall for housing in line with a drive for new homes in Little Germany.

It would sell the eyesore building outright or pick a development partner from offers received.

The nearby former merchants quarter has been designated one of Britain's first urban villages. Developers are already converting the former Silens ironmongery into apartments and there are plans by the new owners of Treadwell's Mill for housing.

Mr McMahon said the firm was now evaluating the responses for Eastbrook Hall. "I believe Eastbrook Hall should go purely for housing in view of the developments around it," he said.

"The most significant is the start of the development of Vicar Lane car park, which we have been waiting for. We believe it will bring a lot more people in."

Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, Councillor Simon Cooke, said: "This building has been sitting there as a shell and it must be a priority to get things moving.

"We are keen to see an increase in people living in Little Germany and it is becoming one of the places to be. I have no objection in principle to housing but I would have to look at the details."

The hall was built in 1904 with a 2,300 seating capacity as the centre of Methodist worship in the city. It was badly damaged by a blaze four years ago which brought the city to a halt.