BRADFORD Council has released a brief update on Bradford Live.

The Telegraph & Argus again contacted the authority this week and asked for a comment about the multi-million pound project - as significant public interest over the matter continues.

In response, a Council spokesperson said: "Completion of the main building work on this fabulous venue is in the final stages. 

"Once finalised, preparations can be made for fit-out of the venue. 

"Alongside this, the legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group will be progressed."

The T&A asked the NEC Group for a statement - but no comment was received.

For a number of months, concerns have been raised over Birmingham-based NEC Group's involvement with Bradford Live - amid ongoing silence from the leading events business about the major scheme to transform the city's former Odeon cinema into a entertainment venue.

In 2017, Bradford Live announced the NEC Group had been chosen as operating partner for the venture, with the NEC Group stating it would take a 30-year lease on the building and invest £2 million towards the conversion costs.

In December last year, a spokesperson for the NEC Group said: "Developer, Bradford Live, will be handing the venue over to operator, the NEC Group, by mid-2024, before the group completes the final fit out in the following months. The venue’s launch season will commence in autumn 2024."

However, the NEC Group has repeatedly declined to reaffirm its commitment to Bradford Live or answer key questions when approached by the T&A over the last four months.

The NEC Group is still referenced on Bradford Live's official website.

A recent view of boulders being installed outside Bradford Live (Image: Newsquest)

Fears for the future of Bradford Live also intensified after the first two shows announced for the venue - a Bob Marley tribute act and an Abba tribute act - were cancelled.

Last month, the T&A broke the news that the Campaign for Real Ale's national Great British Beer Festival Winter would not take place at Bradford Live during City of Culture year next year amid the lingering uncertainty. 

But also last month, Bradford Live director Chris Morrell said the building "certainly will" open as an entertainment venue - although he could not confirm exactly when this would be.

He said the "finishing touches" were being applied to the building and added: "I think everyone will be astounded at how spectacular it is.

"It'll be a fabulous venue."