Bradford Live: Calls for clarity on project continue

On Saturday, the Telegraph & Argus reported that the first two shows announced at Bradford Live had been cancelled.

Customers with tickets for 'Legend: The Music of Bob Marley' and 'Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to Abba' - which will no longer take place at Bradford Live in November - have now been offered refunds.

Birmingham-based NEC Group - which was due to take over the former Odeon building within weeks before opening Bradford Live later this year, making it a showpiece entertainment venue - has repeatedly declined to confirm its commitment to the multi-million-pound regeneration scheme.

Calls for clarity on the future of Bradford Live have been made (Image: T&A)

This week, after the announcement about the two shows being cancelled, the T&A again asked the NEC Group for a statement regarding the situation. No statement was provided. 

The T&A also asked Bradford Council for an updated statement on the situation. No updated statement was provided, with a council spokesperson pointing to a comment they had previously provided, which said: "There is a contract with NEC and that remains in place.

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

Work ongoing at Bradford Live on Thursday (Image: Newsquest)

The council spokesperson added this week: "The NEC, as contracted operators, would be the ones to comment on operational issues such as ticket sales etc."

Entertainers - the production company behind the Bob Marley and Abba tribute acts - was asked for a statement regarding the cancelled shows. No statement was provided.

Bradford resident Sally Birch, who had bought tickets for the Bob Marley show at Bradford Live, raised concerns that there was still no clarity on the future of the venue following the news about the axed events.

She told the T&A: "The taxpayers of Bradford are well overdue some clarity.

"We have all followed the long journey of saving the Odeon building and witnessing the incredible transformation into Bradford Live - and to see things now stumbling with no clear direction is worrying and upsetting. 

The Odeon pictured in 2012 (Image: Newsquest)

"Given that the opening was meant to be just around the corner, and given the announcement about the shows being cancelled, there now needs to be a firm statement from one of the parties or both. 

"The motto of Bradford Council is progress, industry and humanity. 

"They are not displaying any of these three qualities in regard to this and need to remember that the taxpayers of Bradford deserve honesty."

When contacted by the T&A this week, the Bradford Chamber reiterated a statement issued last month calling for clarity on the situation. 

That statement, from Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber, said: "With so much positive momentum currently behind the city ahead of Bradford 2025 and so much regeneration works currently underway in the city, it is crucial that we obtain clarity about the Bradford Live venue's status.

"Our membership has grown restless and the lack of clarity in media reports has been unhelpful with regards to both the morale of business and ability to attract investment into Bradford.

"The scale of opportunity that Bradford Live presents not only for this city but for the north of England is massive and so therefore we call upon all parties to dampen speculation with a clear unequivocal backing for the project's future.

"We at Bradford Chamber are under no illusions as to the scale of the difficulties our economy is currently facing. However, communication breeds confidence and silence merely brings fear, something that our city does not need during this pivotal time in its history."

Countless people have contacted the T&A since the weekend to voice more concerns on the matter.

Joan Jackson said: "We need some answers. This is getting ridiculous."

Liz Austin described the "lack of clarity" as a "massive problem".

Steven Conroy said: "The worst thing about it all is the lack of transparency."

Others called for more positivity.

Mark Tattersall said: "This is an incredible venture that is being restored in the highest of possible standards."

Mark Nicholson added: "This project will ultimately succeed."