THE leader of Bradford Council currently has nothing to add to previous statements on Bradford Live, the Telegraph & Argus has been told.
Nearly two weeks ago, Bradford Council's press office told the T&A that Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe was "keen to speak to the media about the next steps" - after it emerged intended operator the NEC Group had exited the £50.5 million scheme, which has been mostly funded by the taxpayer.
Cllr Hinchcliffe subsequently spoke to BBC Look North and ITV Calendar - but these interviews raised further questions.
She told BBC Look North that Bradford Live "will be used during 2025" - but did not elaborate on exactly how it "will be used".
People of Bradford have been told a number of different planned opening dates for Bradford Live over the years - and Cllr Hinchcliffe's comment came despite the fact the venue does not yet have a confirmed operator in place.
Meanwhile, Cllr Hinchcliffe claimed on ITV Calendar that "a number of operators" were interested in taking over the management of the 3,800-capacity building - but declined to state exactly how many due to "commercial sensitivities".
She said she was "really proud" of Bradford Live, which lies empty.
Since these broadcasts, the T&A has made further attempts to set up an interview with Cllr Hinchcliffe - but this week the Council's press office said she had "nothing more to add at the moment".
The press office referred the T&A to the joint statement issued by the Council and the NEC Group nearly three weeks ago - describing it as the "current statement".
The T&A has a number of important questions to put to Cllr Hinchcliffe on behalf of readers.
Bradford Council, Bradford Live and the NEC Group all failed to respond to a recent open letter by the T&A asking several key queries.
In the last few days, a number of West Yorkshire venues have been announcing big music acts for 2025 - including Stereophonics at John Smith's Stadium in Huddersfield, the Kaiser Chiefs at Temple Newsam Park in Leeds, and Texas, Simple Minds, The Script and Olly Murs at Halifax's Piece Hall.
Meanwhile, it is still not known exactly when Bradford Live will open.
It had previously been expected to launch this autumn, with those behind the scheme saying it promised to be a "world-class entertainment centre".
The official Bradford Live website does not currently feature any promotional information about the venue - apart from an old drawing of the building.
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