Funding for the proposed £200 million Superdome is still not finalised - although the developer's contract with Bradford Council runs out at the end of the year.

Now Council leader Ian Greenwood will have talks in London with merchant bankers who are dealing with nine institutions interested in funding the scheme at Odsal Stadium.

Coun Greenwood and the authority's Strategic Director of Regeneration, David Kennedy, will be in London on Council business anyway and will take the opportunity to discuss progress with bankers Arbuthnott Latham.

Coun Greenwood said: "It will be a chance for face-to-face discussions about the development and how they are faring with raising the funds needed."

But the leader of the Council's Tory group Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "The Council is a laughing stock dithering about while other cities get world class sports stadiums."

A quarterly review of the scheme which will go to the corporate executive sub committee on Friday says the bankers have shortlisted the nine potential funders from a total of 18 and are now dealing with them.

Coun Greenwood said: "The Council is closely monitoring these developments, although, of course, it is a matter for the developers to raise the necessary funds and report to the sub committee before the deadline for the Council's agreement with Superdome finishes at the end of December."

The Council decided to have quarterly progress reviews since its decision to extend the deadline by two years.

Mr Kennedy will give a report to the sub committee about progress. Members will be told terms have been agreed with National Amusements, trading as Showcase, for a multiplex cinema. He will report that Superdome is in advanced discussions with other major companies over other attractions.

Mr Kennedy recommends that the Council should continue to liaise and offer support to the developers to ensure building takes place within the developer's timescale.

Superdome Finance Director Malcolm Wilson said when Coun Greenwood visited the bankers in London he would see things had moved on significantly.

John Garside, chief executive of the Superdome scheme, was unavailable for comment.

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