Norman Littlewood was key figure in saving Bradford's Odeon

Born on Wesley Place in Low Moor in July 1928, his roots remained firmly fixed to the BD12 postcode area for most of his life.

Following several successful entrepreneurial childhood endeavours, Norman left school at 14 and literally laid his future foundations by accepting an apprenticeship with a local builder who had previously formed part of the Low Moor Picture House's in-house orchestra.

Norman would later work evenings there as a projectionist. Indeed, bricks and cinema were destined to become his life-long stalwarts.

Norman Littlewood left his mark upon the city of Bradford

Norman Littlewood, second from right, with founder members of BORG, from left John Pennington, Mike Bottomley, John Wilkinson and Julie Littlewood (Image: public)

Aged 21, Norman acquired a plot of land in St Mark's Avenue in Low Moor. He self-funded the construction of a pair of semi-detached houses over a four-year period and his life journey as a local Master Builder commenced in earnest. Retirement was never an option when he reached his later years. When I first met Norman in his mid-seventies, he joked "I'm not retired - just tired!"

When the former Odeon cinema faced demolition in 2003 as part of Bradford's newly-formed regeneration body's 21st Century Masterplan, Norman was horrified.

Supported by his devoted wife Julie - who assisted in the writing of this obituary - he pioneered an anti-demolition campaign via letters to this very newspaper whilst standing for hours in Morrisons gaining petition signatures.

Norman also became a formidable force in City Hall, his usual gentlemanly persona occasionally giving way to impassioned frustration whilst berating local councillors for seemingly ignoring the opinions of the many Bradfordians he had suddenly been entrusted to represent.

Norman and his wife Julie

Norman formed the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (BORG). Our high-profile media campaign was hugely supported. not just by locals but also national heritage bodies.

In 2007 we invited our fellow citizens to join us as we hugged the building, and a thousand people participated. We continually frustrated attempts to progress the delivery of a replacement building to such a point, the Council's regeneration portfolio holder publicly blamed BORG for the former Odeon still standing, something Norman personally accepted as the highest possible compliment.

It turned out we had delayed the process long enough for the global credit crunch to ultimately scupper a 2009 developer agreement to demolish this much-loved building. Norman also made BORG's extensive archive of blueprints and technical information available to Lee Craven as he formulated his early plans for Bradford Live. The rest is (developing) history...

Norman Littlewood with Mark Nicholson, July 2023 (Image: public)

Norman appreciated the support from the public (Image: public)

Whilst watching the progress of Bradford Live reach its final stages of completion with much interest and excitement, we have much to thank Norman Littlewood for.

The building's rebirth is his everlasting legacy. Without him it would have all been so much different. Similarly, it is almost impossible to pass through Low Moor or Wyke without encountering one of his many constructions. Norman Littlewood may have departed this life, but he has left an indelible mark on his beloved city.

Norman died aged 95 on 20 October 2023. His funeral was held on Tuesday November 28.