Plans submitted for transformation of former Odeon Cinema into live events venue
A planning application has been submitted for the transformation of Bradford’s former Odeon Cinema into a multi-million pound live entertainment and events venue.
Architecture firm Aedas Arts Team has spent almost a year working up design proposals before lodging the application on behalf of developers Bradford Live, the not-for-profit distribution social enterprise.
The city centre site extends to 5,400 square metres and is set to deliver a 4,000 capacity multi-use live entertainment and events venue.
The refurbishment scheme will include repairs and renovation of the existing building along with a small extension to provide additional catering and other facilities. The work will repair and restore the physical ‘shell’ of the building, install a new LED screen between the front towers and preserve original features, whilst installing new lighting, cooling, ventilation and heating systems.
A former restaurant and ballroom will be available for a range of uses including weddings, banquets and conferences. The North tower entrance will be restored to its original octagonal shape by relocating the electrical substation from this area to the rear yard within a new service building.
Consent has previously been granted to create an opening to the rear of the building to facilitate construction access. This will allow the internal demolition work to remove the 1960’s additions to the building.
NEC Group, the live events company, has been appointed as the venue operator.
Lee Craven of Bradford Live said: “We will restore the building to its former position as a cultural hub for the city, honouring and preserving the impressive architectural form of the building, whilst bringing the facilities into line with twenty-first century requirements”.
Phil Mead, NEC Group chairman, arenas and ticket factory, added: “This design proposal is sensitive to the building’s beautiful original features and carefully thought-out to ensure the whole site reaches its full potential.
“As well as staging amazing live entertainment that puts Bradford firmly back on the national live music touring circuit, we are determined that other parts of the building are equally cherished and equally well-used–whether that’s for weddings, banquets or conferences.”
Bradford Live has received funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal. The LEP also helped secure £4m for the project from the Government’s Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund.
Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the LEP, said: “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 to the already exceptional quality of life in our region.”
