Bradford's historic Odeon cinema is to close after 70 years when the company opens a new 13-screen multiplex on the city's outskirts in Thornbury.

Odeon Cinemas has finally confirmed that the city centre cinema - dubbed "the wonder of the north" when it opened in 1930 - will shut after months of rumour and speculation.

But the news coincides with a separate boost for the city as developers of a planned multi-million pound leisure scheme in Vicar Lane, Bradford, announced last night that Cine-UK had signed contracts to provide a 16-screen multiplex cinema.

The developers JJ Gallagher also signed a development agreement with Bradford Council late yesterday to take over the 600-space car park after completing the purchase.

But it could mean that Bradford - which is promoting itself as the City of Film - will have no mainstream city centre cinema until the Vicar Lane scheme is completed next year.

And the cinema's closure this summer will leave one of its premium sites beside the showpiece National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and the Alhambra Theatre up for grabs.

JJ Gallagher is also the developer of the Thornbury complex which will house the new Odeon cinema.

And Bradford could get a third multiplex if plans by a consortium wanting to develop the Broadway end of the city come to fruition.

Gallagher's managing director Paul Cross said: "We are delighted to have finalised this agreement with the Council and now look forward to making an early start on this exciting family-focused attraction in Bradford.

The proposed leisure scheme will also include a 40,000sq ft health and fitness club, family entertainments centre, including ten pin bowling, a 90-bedroom hotel, bars and restaurants. The scheme also includes a 1,000 space car park.

The Council's Executive Committee member for regeneration Councillor Dave Green said: "I am delighted a scheme of the scale proposed will have enormous economic benefits, bringing jobs, people and investment into the city centre. This is yet another confidence boost for the district and further evidence that we are serious about achieving the 2020 Vision."

He added: "The Odeon site is a very important one, with enormous economic potential. We don't want to see it lying empty but on the other hand we have to be absolutely sure that whatever is proposed is right for that site."

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe welcomed the Vicar Lane announcement.

"But on the other hand I am sad that the Odeon is closing and would hope the new Vicar Lane is built as soon as possible to fill the gap for people.

"The Odeon site would create a wonderful development opportunity and I would hope it will not be empty long term."

Owner of Pennington's Variety Club John Pennington said the Odeon was part of the city's history and he was sad to see it go.

He said care should be taken on the future use of the site in view of the West End pubs explosion and its effect on the licensed trade in the rest of the city.

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