PEOPLE have called for answers about the future of Bradford Live - and told of how much they want the multi-million pound regeneration project to succeed.

Building work is continuing to transform the former Odeon cinema in the city centre into Bradford Live - but for several weeks now, questions and concerns have been raised locally over the highly-anticipated entertainment venue.

In December last year, the Birmingham-based NEC Group said the developer, Bradford Live, would hand over the iconic domed venue to the NEC Group "by mid-2024", with organisers previously stating the launch season for Bradford Live would take place this autumn.

But major uncertainty comes after:

Bradford Council last week said a contract it has with the NEC Group "remains in place" - but no confirmation has been given by the NEC Group after repeated questions from the T&A over several weeks.

As reported last week, local Labour and Tory MPs have hit out at the "damaging radio silence" and called for clarity on the situation.

Today, the T&A headed into Bradford city centre to get people's thoughts.

Shannon Brown said: "It's such a beautiful building and it would be fantastic to see new life breathed into it.

"I think it's absolutely shocking that there are so many questions hanging over this.

"People deserve to know what's happening.

"What I'd say to the NEC Group and Bradford Council is - let the people know what on earth is going on."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cameron Dodge and Shannon BrownCameron Dodge and Shannon Brown (Image: Newsquest)

Cameron Dodge added: "Bradford Live has got so much potential.

"So many great acts could perform there - and I really hope it happens.

"It would be great to see it open in time for Bradford being City of Culture next year - but it all sounds a bit up in the air right now, doesn't it?"

A Bob Marley tribute act and an Abba tribute act were the first two shows to be announced for Bradford Live, pencilled in for November at the promised 3,800-capacity venue.

But 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.

Entertainers - the production company behind the Bob Marley and Abba tribute acts - has not responded to questions from the T&A.

According to the Bradford Live website - which still references the NEC Group - the venue "will play host to over 200 world class events every year".

However, with the launch season just months away, no further acts have so far been announced for Bradford Live.

Bouhra Tzarn told the T&A: "I want to see it succeed.

"I want to visit it and see plenty of big-name acts there."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bouhra TzarnBouhra Tzarn (Image: Newsquest)

Jodie Brooks added: "I used to visit the building when it was the Odeon.

"Let's hope it reopens as Bradford Live soon with plenty of great acts.

"I think it would really help to put Bradford on the map and I also think Bradford Live would bring loads of footfall into the city centre, helping other businesses as well."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

A number of other people, who asked not to be named, said they wanted more transparency over the huge scheme.

The NEC Group again declined to comment when approached by the T&A this week. 

In 2018, Bradford Council documents stated the Council had "committed to lending £12million to the project with the loan repayments secured against NEC's rental".

A year later, the T&A reported that the overall cost of Bradford Live had risen to more than £22m.

The T&A this week asked Bradford Council to confirm the current overall cost of the Bradford Live project and if the Council had a plan B should the NEC Group pull out. The Council declined to comment.