REFERENCES to the first two events which were announced at Bradford Live have been removed from the top of its website - as a group promoting the city voiced concerns about "uncertainty" over the showpiece entertainment venue.
Building work is currently taking place to transform the former Odeon cinema in the city centre into Bradford Live.
Organisers previously said the launch season for the highly-anticipated venue would take place this autumn - with a Bob Marley tribute act and an Abba tribute act being the first two shows to be announced.
However, people have been unable to buy tickets for either event for more than a month - and now the shows are no longer mentioned on the Bradford Live website.
Previously, the top of the website stated "an icon reborn" and "launch season autumn 2024" - and the Bob Marley and Abba events were being promoted.
Now, the top of the website only states "Bradford Live, hear more than just the music!" and people are invited to enter their email address to "keep up to date with the latest info".
The website's homepage claims "there's a lot happening at Bradford Live as we prepare to open our venue to host live events". The 'latest news' section of the website was last updated on December 22 to promote three job openings at Bradford Live.
The website states "our venue will play host to over 200 world class events every year as well as providing the city with great conference, meeting and banqueting spaces. Take a look at what's on!" - but when people click 'find out more', they are again invited to enter their email address for "latest events and new show announcements".
The Bob Marley and Abba shows were pencilled in for November at the new 3,800-capacity venue - set to be run by the Birmingham-based NEC Group.
The events are still listed on the Bradford Live Facebook - although the last post on this page was nearly three weeks ago.
The Telegraph & Argus has repeatedly asked the NEC Group a number of questions, including confirmation that it is still involved with Bradford Live - but our queries keep getting met with silence.
The Bradford Live website still references the NEC Group.
Earlier this month, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Building works at this world-class venue are running to schedule and on target for practical completion in June."
In response to further questions from the Telegraph & Argus, the Council spokesperson said operational queries needed to go to the NEC Group.
Last month, a Council spokesperson said: "The NEC Group have not pulled out of the contract for Bradford Live."
The Telegraph & Argus has since asked the Council if the NEC Group was considering pulling out of the contract - but a spokesperson for the authority would not answer this specific question.
Bradford at Night raises concerns
Bradford at Night - which supports businesses in the city and the night-time economy - voiced concerns about the situation with Bradford Live.
A spokesperson from the group said: "We understand mounting speculation surrounding the NEC Group's involvement with Bradford Live.
"The reopening of the former Odeon cinema as a performance venue is Bradford's hope for city centre regeneration.
"In recent weeks, doubts about the future of the project have grown after the NEC Group refused to confirm their involvement and if the venue is still on track to open later this year under NEC management.
"We understand the frustrations of residents, business owners and our members in this time of uncertainty.
"The collaboration between both parties involved with the project promises significant opportunities for Bradford and we hope that a positive update can be provided shortly.
"Bradford at Night is willing to offer its support and expertise to support both parties to help in anyway possible."
Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, leader of the Conservatives on Bradford Council, told the Telegraph & Argus last month: "People want Bradford Live to succeed, they want to see some great shows and acts there.
"It's not going to work, though, if people can't buy tickets or if people don't know when they will be able to buy tickets."
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