Bradford Odeon grant released after operator found

Bradford ODEON building to be transformed into a live music venue

A grant to fund part of the renovation of Bradford Odeon into a live music venue has been released now that an operator for the landmark building has been found.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced a £325,000 grant, part of the Leeds City Region’s £1bn plus Growth Deal to boost the region’s economy.

The funding, which was approved in July 2016, was dependent on the confirmation of an operating partner.

Last week, NEC Group stepped in and pledged to invest £2m towards the transformation of the site.

The regeneration project is expected to create up 30 full- ime equivalent jobs upon completion, 20 apprenticeship roles and 60 temporary construction jobs.

The new venue is expected to open in 2020.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “We are delighted with this additional funding from the Combined Authority. This grant will help to regenerate this historic building into what will be an incredible cultural asset for the city. This follows on from the great news that NEC group will be the operator partner for the Odeon. The momentum is starting to build behind the Odeon’s rebirth and this latest announcement just adds to that.

“We are working closely with Bradford Live to secure the remaining funding needed and this grant is the first of many announcements we hope to welcome in the coming months.

”Bradford has now benefited from more than £61m of funding from the Combined Authority, a testament to the key role Bradford has to play in the Leeds City Region.”

Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “I am immensely pleased to see the approval of this much-needed grant by the Investment Committee. Thanks in-part to this Growth Deal funding, Bradford Odeon will be a transformational project, not just for this landmark building, but for the people and city of Bradford and the City Region.

“This venue, situated at the heart of the city, will become another iconic string to Leeds City Region’s outstanding cultural bow, adding the already exceptional quality of life in our region.”

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