Contractor chosen for redevelopment to create major live events venue

The Bradford Live project is one step closer to transforming the city centre’s former Odeon building into a multi-purpose live events venue, following the appointment of local contractor RN Wooler & Co Ltd.

The Keighley-based firm was selected after an extensive procurement process.

With Bradford Live’s ambition to create about 50 full time equivalent positions at the venue upon completion of the redevelopment, this appointment will add a further 60 temporary construction jobs to the roster.

Five apprenticeship roles will also be created by RN Wooler during the construction phase.

Working with Leeds College of Building and Bradford College to offer the apprenticeships to 16 to 18-year-old students, the Bradford Live project will provide practical, workplace opportunities for those studying construction, skills and trades.

In addition, efforts will focus on a strong supply chain of both suppliers and subcontractors from the Bradford District and Leeds City Region.

The project is partly funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Growth Deal – a £1bn-plus investment in the Leeds City Region’s economy. Works are due to start later this spring.

Bradford Live managing director, Lee Craven, said: “These are exciting times for the project and we are proud to have RN Wooler & Co as part of the team.

“We want Bradford Live to become part of the community and help drive the Bradford economy. It will be a fantastic venue, delivering 270,000 visitors a year to the city and support not only those involved with the project, but up to 500 FTE indirectly across the region.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw at Bradford Council said: “We are very pleased that this highly skilled local supplier has been awarded this important contract.

“The transformation of Bradford’s iconic former Odeon cinema into a world-class live entertainment and events venue will bring major benefits to Bradford city centre and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

“Bradford Live is part of a broader commitment we have to supporting the arts and the economic development of the district.

“The contract will employ 65 people including five new apprenticeships giving the local economy a welcome boost.

“We are immensely proud that local people will play such a critical role in developing this iconic facility which will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

Director of RN Wooler & Co Ltd, Gareth Wooler, added: “We are particularly honoured and proud to have been awarded the contract for this exciting and prestigious project.

“As a family-owned, Yorkshire company employing local people, the opportunity to create employment and further strengthen our ties to the community is a fantastic achievement and is testament to the hard work and continuing efforts of our colleagues.”

Head of NEC Group Venue Partnerships, Dan Boulger, concluded: “The job opportunities, economic impact and legacy benefits that this project creates will serve the local community for generations and continues to have the full backing of the NEC Group.

“We very much look forward to seeing RN Wooler & Co bring the visions for this extraordinary building to life.”