Bradford at Night repeats calls for clarity on Bradford Live

Building work is progressing to transform the old Odeon cinema in the city centre into the highly-anticipated entertainment venue - but questions and concerns have been raised locally over its future for around two months now. 

In December last year, those behind the multi-million pound regeneration project said the iconic domed venue would be handed over to the NEC Group "by mid-2024", with organisers previously stating the launch season for Bradford Live would take place this autumn.

However, major uncertainty has arisen as the Birmingham-based NEC Group has declined to reaffirm its commitment to Bradford Live, despite multiple requests from the T&A over several weeks.

People have also been unable to buy tickets for nearly two months for the first two shows announced for Bradford Live.

Bradford at Night - which aims to promote the area's nightlife - is continuing to push for answers over the situation, alongside the Telegraph & Argus and others.

Workers at the site when the T&A visited yesterday (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

A Bradford at Night spokesperson told the T&A today: "Some time has now passed since speculation began to grow and the city of Bradford is still waiting for some factual information.

"We really do urge both Bradford Live and the NEC Group to provide some clarity for those anxiously waiting for some key information.

"All projects of this scale throw up challenges and some are far more difficult to resolve than others.

"Delivering this project has become paramount to businesses throughout the city centre and beyond.

"We don't doubt it'll open - and when it does, Bradford at Night will continue to throw its full support behind the success of the venue."

Last week, the T&A put a series of questions to Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, who is in charge of regeneration at Bradford Council.

These included queries about the overall cost of the Bradford Live project, which was put at £22 million in 2019, as well as questions on how much taxpayers' money had already been spent on the scheme, and how much would go towards it in the future.

In response to the queries, a Council press officer repeated statements from previous weeks. 

"There is a contract with NEC and that remains in place," they said.

"Building works at this world class venue are running to schedule and on target for practical completion in June."

The T&A also again put several questions to the NEC Group about the situation - but no response was given.