Bradford Live: Concerns over cost of keeping lights on

A number of people have contacted the Telegraph & Argus questioning how much money was being spent on lighting up the vacant venue. 

Bradford Council said the lights were "currently on a reduced energy setting for increased efficiency and reduced cost".

Many people are calling for officials to shed more light on the situation with Bradford Live (Image: Newsquest)

One member of the public who contacted us about this issue said: "Loads of lights are on there all night until dawn. 

"It's really annoying me. 

"Presumably we as council taxpayers are picking up the bill. 

"It's more money being wasted by a troubled council on the brink of bankruptcy."

As reported by the T&A earlier this week, a new report from the union Unison said Bradford Council faces a predicted shortfall of £126 million in 2025-26 - £7m more than Birmingham City Council, which declared it was effectively bankrupt last year.

The T&A asked Bradford Council to reveal the cost of Bradford Live's daily energy bill. 

That specific question was not answered by the Council's press office, but a spokesperson for the authority said: "This fabulous venue has been extensively refurbished with sustainability in mind and all the lighting in the building has been replaced with energy efficient LEDs. 

"As with all large buildings, Bradford Live has a range of security measures in place which includes movement sensitive lighting.

"These are currently on a reduced energy setting for increased efficiency and reduced cost."

Plenty of people are not looking on the bright side when it comes to Bradford Live (Image: Newsquest)

Bradford Live was due to open as a "world-class music and entertainment venue" within weeks - ahead of Bradford 2025 City of Culture.

But the Birmingham-based NEC Group has repeatedly declined to reaffirm its commitment to operating Bradford Live for much of this year. 

It is still not known when the venue will open. 

Last week, the T&A revealed that only a preliminary contract - not a formal lease - currently exists between Bradford Live and the NEC Group.

Bradford Council and Bradford Live representatives have repeatedly said "the legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group are progressing".

The issue has been highlighted in the latest edition of Private Eye magazine.

Its report said: "Last month the local T&A published an open letter to the Council demanding answers about Bradford Live, which is being funded to the tune of £43.75m by the Council with another £7m from other bodies. 

"But the Council is keeping schtum, hiding behind waffle about 'legal processes' yet to be settled."