Bradford city centre's biggest white elephant has finally been sold - after two-and-a-half years.

The seven-storey Yorkshire Building Society block in Westgate - dubbed the ugliest in the city - was put up for sale with a £1 million price tag.

The Society kept only one branch on the ground floor of the building after most of the staff transferred to a new prestige site in Rooley Lane.

But last night Councillor Jack Womersley, deputy chairman of Bradford Council's transportation, planning committee, said: "I think it is an ugly carbuncle and I want to see it pulled down, along with many other 1960s buildings in the city. I think we should do this before some clown comes along and lists them."

A Yorkshire Building Society spokesman confirmed it was in the process of being sold but would not comment on the price or name the company. She said the building would be used as offices and the society would continue to have a branch in the building.

Coun Womersley said: "It is in a prime position and I would like to see it as part of the redevelopment of the north end of the city. The problem of internal refurbishment is that the exterior is often overlooked."

He called on the new owners to bring quality architects in to look at the building if they decided to keep it.

The building has been sold as the future of another huge city-centre building is being considered. Provincial House - opposite City Hall - is being offered by Abbey National for redevelopment. But officials say demolition of the massive building may also be considered.

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