National ambitions for new operators of revived city centre venue

Trafalgar Entertainment, the operating company of BRADFORD LIVE, has said it aims to make the rejuvenated landmark building a destination for people from across the UK.

Addressing a gathering inside the restored former cinema earlier today – 27 February – Sir Howard Panter, joint CEO, co-founder and creative director of Trafalgar Entertainment, said: “This is not just a venue for Bradford, it’s for the whole of the UK and it’ll bring people into the city.

“We will not be outgunned by Leeds because we will have performances and events that people will want to come here to see. This is a very special place and we’re very happy to be here.

“We’re working really hard on our programme for the venue and talking to promoters, stakeholders and partners. The level of interest we’ve had has been fantastic.”

He said final fitting out works were currently underway, with the building expected to be open in autumn this year.

BRADFORD LIVE is a 3,000 plus seated and 3,500 plus standing capacity music, comedy, events and entertainment venue, together with event spaces.

The former Odeon Cinema was originally built in 1930s. Following a long period of dereliction when the building disused, the prominent art deco property was rescued from demolition and has now been fully restored with a £50m investment.

The main contractor for the extensive repair and conversion works was Keighley-based business RN Wooler.

Explaining her business’s attraction to Bradford, Helen Enright, chief executive of Trafalgar Venues and chief operating officer of Trafalgar Entertainment Group, said: “We love city centre venues and the scale of this building was enough to make us want to come to Bradford.

“When I walked through the doors, I thought ‘wow, this is incredible.’ It’s not only the auditorium – there are so many other spaces as well, it’s a real multi-purpose venue.

“That is great for us because as well as live entertainment we do so many events, including weddings, banqueting and conferences.

“We will complement what already exists in the city – there’s room for everybody – and we’ll bring those artists to Bradford who aren’t already coming here.”

Lee Craven, founding director of BRADFORD LIVE, paid tribute to Bradford Council for keeping faith with the project and continuing to support efforts to bring the building back to life, even during the venture’s darkest times.

“At the end of 2016 we had no operator, no funds and the building was crumbling around us,” he said. “I said that it was a setback, but that we’d carry on.

“We asked the council for another six months and to their credit they agreed. It’s hard cash that makes things happen and the council supplied most of that.

“Even when the building was in a decrepit state, there wasn’t anyone who we showed around the property who wasn’t impressed by it.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “It’s an emotional day for the people of Bradford because this is part of our social history.

“I’m so pleased that we’re ready to show Bradford people that this building is now part of their future as well as their past.

“Trafalgar Entertainment is a great operator and it’s wonderful to welcome them as an investor and a partner.”