A COUNCILLOR has raised a number of questions over Bradford Live - after it emerged the cost of the project had climbed to £50.5 million.
Last week, Bradford Council revealed it had contributed £43.75m of grants and loan cash to the scheme, with the rest of the money coming from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Council also confirmed building work to turn the city's former Odeon cinema into a 3,800-capacity music and entertainment venue had reached "practical completion" - but chosen operator, the NEC Group, remains silent over its involvement in the huge project and it has still not been confirmed when the building will open.
Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, leader of the Conservative group on Bradford Council, called for more transparency over the issue.
She told the Telegraph & Argus: "There are still a number of questions to be answered over Bradford Live - especially after it emerged the cost of the project had gone up to £50.5 million.
"How will the money be repaid back to the Council and what timescale are we looking at for this?
"It's a huge amount to pay back - and it isn't going to happen overnight.
"When will the building open?
"When will the brilliant acts we've been promised be announced - and when will people be able to buy tickets for them?
"Why isn't the NEC Group saying anything?"
She added: "The building looks wonderful and, of course, we all want Bradford Live to be a success.
"But a lot of people are very frustrated with the situation.
"They want to be able to book shows, go into the building and be entertained.
"They want their questions answering."
The T&A put Cllr Poulsen's questions to Bradford Council and asked for answers.
The Council provided a statement from Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, who is also a director of Bradford Live.
The statement - similar to one provided to the T&A earlier this week - said: "Bradford Live is reflective of our ambition for the district, and alongside a number of major developments across the city centre is really starting to show the shape of Bradford for the future.
"A number of general factors including Covid, Brexit, the invasion of Ukraine and record inflation have all had an impact on the overall cost of the project. The construction industry itself has been severely affected by high inflation rates, surpassing general headline rates, which has affected many major building projects in recent years.
"Given Bradford Live was derelict for a number of years, it has faced a number of additional issues including the discovery of asbestos and rotten flooring on balconies and foyers, which added to the cost.
"I'm glad that Cllr Poulsen agrees that the investment we’ve made has resulted in a wonderful building. It will be a huge asset for Bradford and West Yorkshire, brought back to life and saved for future generations after the long-running public campaign to save it years ago."
The T&A asked why this question in particular - how will the money be repaid back to the Council and what timescale are we looking at for this? - was not answered in the statement, but no comment was given.
During a recent Council meeting, Cllr Ross-Shaw said the Council loan given to the Bradford Live project would be "repaid with rental income from the property and screen rent".
He said the expectation was that the loan would be repaid.
The T&A also put Cllr Poulsen's questions to the NEC Group and asked for answers - but no comment was provided.
The Birmingham-based company has not publicly commented on its involvement with Bradford Live for a number of months.
Last week, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Bradford Council and Bradford Live are pleased to announce that construction work at the new Bradford Live venue has reached 'practical completion'.
"This means all the major building work at the former Odeon cinema in the city centre has been finished and it is ready for the final fit out.
"After being empty for around 20 years, the art deco building, which originally opened in 1930, has been beautifully restored and transformed into a world-class, 3,800-capacity music and entertainment venue.
"The legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group will now be progressed."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel