NEC Group’s Yorkshire venue secures planning permission
Plans to redevelop Bradford’s former Odeon cinema into to a multi-million pound “world class” 4,000 capacity live entertainment and events venue have been unanimously approved.
The proposals were granted by the council to developers Bradford Live, the not-for-profit distribution social enterprise which has been spearheading the re-development of the city centre building.
Consent had previously been granted to facilitate demolition work which is currently underway, to remove the 1960s additions to the building.
NEC Group was previously appointed as the venue operator. For the past 30 years, the Birmingham-headquartered group has brought music, comedy, family entertainment and many other live events to the region, with plans for over 200 events annually.
Phil Mead, chairman of NEC Group Arenas and The Ticket Factory, said: “We see so much potential in Bradford Live and are excited that the project takes a step closer to becoming a reality following today’s positive announcement.
“We aim to put Bradford back on the map for live entertainment and music, as well as provide a space for communities and businesses to come together to learn, brainstorm, plan or just celebrate. This site has seen some significant artists pass through its doors in the past and we’re in the business of making that happen once more.”
Architects Aedas Arts Team will now oversee the renovation works at the site, which has been vacant for almost 20 years. New additions to the building will include a LED screen between the front towers and a small extension to the rear of the building to facilitate professional catering facilities for small and large events.
Lee Craven, founding director of Bradford Live, said: “It is a tremendous asset to have on board the expertise of the NEC Group on board. Together we will create a world class live event space overlooking City Park for the first time in many years.
“We thank the council and the people of Bradford for their unwavering support in getting us to this stage and all our financial backers, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. We’re planning to open our doors in the Autumn of 2020 and are now looking forward to the excitement of opening night and beyond.”
The project received a £357,500 investment from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The LEP also secured £4m for the project last year from the Government’s Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund.
Councillor Susan Hinchliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are delighted to see that Bradford Live has now progressed this iconic project to the next stage. The redevelopment of this building will bring new visitors to the city centre and also provide jobs and opportunities for the whole of our region.”
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region LEP, added: “The restoration of the former Odeon cinema will be transformational, not just for this landmark building, but for the people and city of Bradford, and the wider City Region.
“This venue, situated at the heart of the city, will become another iconic string to our City Region’s outstanding cultural bow and the positive economic benefits it promises will be welcomed by everyone.”
