Odeon plans submitted
A PLANNING application has been submitted for the transformation of the former Odeon cinema building in Bradford.
The scheme, created by Leeds-based architect CareyJones, has courted controversy with a pressure group being established to fight to maintain the building which it claims shouldn’t be demolished.
The application by developer Langtree Artisan and Yorkshire Forward is aiming to redevelop the building into a £55m complex.
If successful, the New Victoria Place scheme will include work and leisure space, including a hotel, the city centre’s first A-grade office accommodation, apartments, bars, restaurants and cafés, all centred around a public square. The development could create 750 jobs.
Application: (l-r) David Custance from Yorkshire Forward, Glyn Turner from Langtree Artisan, Stewart Currie of Bradford Council, and Simon Peters from Langtree Artisan look on at the 3D model of New Victoria Place.
Glyn Turner from Langtree Artisan says: “New Victoria Place will become the benchmark for all future regeneration of Bradford. Langtree Artisan is looking forward to delivering this scheme and making our vision for the site a reality.”
Earlier this month Langtree Artisan and Yorkshire Forward hosted a six-day public exhibition to showcase the scheme at The Great Victoria Hotel. In total 150 people attended and 421 people visited www.newvictoriaplace.com – the website specifically created to capture public opinion.
Visitors to the public exhibition and the website were asked to complete a questionnaire to provide their ideas and raise any issues they had with the redevelopment. A total of 90 feedback forms were received.
The results from the questionnaires concluded that 96% of people who attended the exhibition believe Bradford needs more regeneration and investment.
When asked what uses they would like New Victoria Place to include, 82% agreed with the proposal to include a public performance space, 79% thought that retail outlets were needed and 82% believed that restaurants would be of benefit to the city. Three-quarters of respondents also agreed with the open public plaza element of the scheme.
Dave Custance, assistant director of environment at Yorkshire Forward, said: “Bradford is one of this region’s key cities and a prime European location for business growth. In challenging economic circumstances the progression of the New Victoria Place scheme gives a clear signal to businesses and the people of Bradford that this is a city of opportunity and a prime investment location in Yorkshire and Humber.”
If planning permission is granted it is anticipated that work could commence on site in 2010. The development is likely to have a five year build programme.
