A SENIOR councillor has said he fears Bradford Live might not open for months.

The taxpayer-backed £50.5 million venue was due to launch this autumn ahead of Bradford 2025 City of Culture - but ongoing "legal processes" mean the highly-anticipated scheme is in a state of limbo.

The NEC Group - which was unveiled as operator of Bradford Live in 2017 - has repeatedly declined to reaffirm its commitment to the scheme as this year has progressed.

Councillor Brendan Stubbs, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Bradford Council, has added his voice to the ongoing concerns over the future of Bradford Live.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "We're looking at having a fantastic year of culture - but my worry is we won't have this major cultural asset available for the start of 2025, probably longer if these 'legal processes' carry on.

"There are doubts over the operator, the building needs fitting out - that could take a number of months - there's no manager, no staff, no acts, no tickets.

"Bradford Live has stalled and it's very concerning.

"The longer it's not open, the longer Bradford loses out.

"We're all trying to find out exactly what these 'legal processes' are - but it's proving difficult to find answers to a number of questions about Bradford Live.

"Many millions of pounds of taxpayers' money is tied up in this venture - and it needs to be serving its intended purpose and generating an income, but obviously that's not going to happen while it continues to sit empty."

Councillor Stubbs outside the former Odeon cinemaCouncillor Stubbs outside the former Odeon cinema (Image: T&A)

Cllr Stubbs added: "When I'm in my surgeries and out knocking on doors, people regularly bring up Bradford Live - 'what's happening with it', 'when's it going to open?'

"They deserve to have answers to these questions."

The Birmingham-based NEC Group did not comment for this article.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said in response to Cllr Stubbs' concerns: "Bradford Live is a major part of our ongoing investment in revitalising the city for the benefit of the whole district.

"The main building work has now completed and it's great to see this stunning building brought back to life for the next generation of visitors.

"Preparations can now be made for fit out of the venue by the operator and the legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group are progressing."