The latest proposal put on the table for developing the Odeon is probably the most interesting and exciting we have yet seen.

The idea of giving over this location to a leisure and sporting facility was something which was suggested in this column more than ten years ago.

It is the perfect location for facilities that could bring thousands into the city centre.

And it also addresses the need in Bradford city centre for better sporting and leisure facilities – a need the Council is already looking at as part of a wider review of leisure facilities around the district.

Such a centrally-located pool and fitness complex would also provide a further weapon in the continuing fight against the obesity timebomb the district is said to be facing.

It must be said that, looking at the artist’s impressions provided, it is not the most attractive piece of architecture, but it is certainly no worse than any of the other proposals put forward; it would at least retain the towers, which would seem to be one of the key requirements of the vociferous protestors who have fought to save the Odeon in the face of economic reality.

It is a plan that must be given serious consideration and could well be the one that unites those on all sides of the arguments over the Odeon, providing a proposal with a genuine and recognised benefit for the people of the Bradford district.

But, as always with these schemes, the Devil will be in the detail, and it will stand or fall on the ability of those behind it to raise the finances to make it happen.