A double boost for the city centre was announced today as two companies took steps towards separate multi-million pound schemes within yards of each other.

The empty 1960s office tower at the Wardley Centre - which houses Bradford Ice Rink - may become a hotel.

And Leeds and London Holdings has submitted a planning application for a £5 million leisure scheme at nearby Council-owned land in Glydegate. A stone and glazed building would contain a major night club, pubs and restaurants.

Developers, who say the complex would bring about 100 new jobs, also propose to build a new public square.

The main lease holders of the Wardley Centre - Arrowcroft Group plc - are looking at the possibility of turning the Wardley House office block into a hotel.

The company has asked its landlord, Bradford Council, to change the lease, dating back to 1967, which prohibits residential use on any part of the property.

It is also in talks with the Council about using the office tower for leisure or shopping.

Councillor Dave Green, the Council's Executive member for Regeneration, said: "Wardley House is a prominent city centre building which should be in use, creating jobs and income for the district.

"It therefore seems an opportune time to look at the lease, which was drawn up 30 years ago, and help turn round the future of this prominent building."

Peter McManus, quantity surveyor for Leeds and London Holdings, said they hoped to get planning permission next month for the proposed Glydegate development, and open it in May next year.

He said they were already in talks with a major night club chain.

The plans for the Wardley Centre, which also contain shops and a bingo hall, come as plans are being made to demolish Provincial House, Petergate, Broadway and other 1960s buildings by two developers.

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