Bradford Live: T&A captures spectacular pictures during tour

A process is currently taking place to find a new operator for the venue after it was announced last week that the Birmingham-based NEC Group had pulled out of the scheme "with immediate effect".

It is yet to be confirmed exactly when Bradford Live - which had previously been expected to launch this autumn - will open.

Today, the T&A was invited to take a look around the former New Victoria theatre, Gaumont cinema and Odeon cinema - which has been restored and transformed into what those behind the scheme describe as a "world-class, 3,800-capacity music and entertainment venue".

And amid continuing questions about the future of Bradford Live, there is no escaping the fact that it is looking truly spectacular inside.

The T&A was shown around the building and saw rejuvenated areas including the auditorium, ballroom, bars - even the toilets.

Take a look around Bradford Live (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The building retains a number of original features, including lighting, stairs and arches, in a clear nod to its rich history.

1930's boilers - which were found during excavation and belonged to Whitaker's Brewery, which occupied the site prior to the building of the New Victoria - are in place in one of the bars. 

Our photographer Mike Simmonds captured a number of pictures of the striking venue.

The former restaurant (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

A spokesperson for developer Bradford Live said: "Bringing this much-loved building back to life has been a huge task spanning years and involving many tough challenges.

"Throughout, we have had the steadfast support of Bradford Council, which has never wavered in its commitment.

"The result is a world-class music venue whose quality exceeds even our own hopes.

The eye-catching ballroom (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) "We look forward to securing a new operator soon who can do justice to the building's potential and make Bradford Live a 'must play' venue for major touring acts.

"We think the venue looks fabulous - we're very proud of it - and we'd like to thank everyone for their support."

The spokesperson added that they cannot wait to "get lots of bums on seats" and "see plenty of smiling faces".

The amazing auditorium (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The landmark building closed in the summer of 2000.

The history of the 1930s art deco structure took many turns in the years to come, with a demolition threat lingering over it and campaigners forming the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group in a bid to save it, which ultimately proved successful. 

In mid-2013, it emerged that the building had been sold to Bradford Council at a peppercorn price of £1 - something campaigners said was "good news for the city".

Looking to the main stage (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The Council asked people with an interest in developing the former Odeon to come forward with detailed plans.

Bradford Live took up the challenge and, in 2017, the NEC Group's appointment as operator for the venue was announced.

Construction work on the Godwin Street building, next to the Alhambra Theatre and opposite City Park, started in 2020, led by Keighley firm RN Wooler.

One of the bar areas (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

A joint statement on behalf of the NEC Group and Bradford Council last Thursday said the company had decided the venue "will be better served by an alternative operator".

"Following a strategic review of its business, the NEC Group will focus on its existing operations in the Birmingham area," it added.

"Bradford Council and the NEC Group have agreed settlement terms to release NEC from the contract that was in place for them to operate the venue."

A light fitting in the second-floor turret (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

No details on the agreed settlement terms have been released.

Bradford Live and Bradford Council said a process was now underway to appoint a new operator for the £50.5 million venue, which had been due to open within weeks.

The final fit-out of Bradford Live is yet to be fully completed. 

More lighting in the iconic building (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

Last week, a Council spokesperson said: "Further updates, and a new date for opening, will be provided when a new operator is confirmed."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said last week: "Advice from the sector leads us to believe that there are a number of potential operators who have shown initial interest in the venue.

We all want Bradford Live to be a success - and hope it opens soon (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)"We are now in a position to have further discussions with them about the opportunity.

"We can't say more about this at this stage given the commercially sensitive nature of discussions.

"We are aiming to have the venue operational in 2025 to host events as part of Bradford's year as UK City of Culture."