Silence over Bradford music venue future

Spencer Stokes - BBC Look North and David Spereall - BBC News
·2 min read
The old Odeon cinema in Bradford, which is being converted into a new music venue
Bradford Live is being built on the site of the city's former Odeon cinema [BBC]

Confusion surrounds the future of a brand new music and events venue being built in Bradford ahead of its City of Culture year.

Bradford Council refused to confirm whether or not Bradford Live, which is being constructed on the site of the city's former Odeon cinema, will open as planned this year.

Concerns have been raised that the NEC Group, which was signed up to operate the 3,800-capacity venue, may be pulling out of its deal with the council.

The company, which runs the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, has not responded to repeated requests for comment.

The council said building work for Bradford Live is progressing, ahead of Bradford taking on the title of UK City of Culture for 2025.

Abba and Bob Marley tribute performances were the first acts announced for the venue, both of which are scheduled for November.

In March, the Bradford Telegraph and Argus reported music fans were unable to buy tickets for either concert online through the Bradford Live website.

Local Green Party councillor Ursula Sutcliffe said she was "really worried" about the future of the venue and called on those involved to clarify the situation.

"It's been weeks of silence coming from Bradford Council and NEC," she said.

The inside of the old Odeon cinema in Bradford, in 2023
The building has been empty for more than two decades, with refurbishment work taking place [BBC]

"Next year we are going to be the UK City of Culture for 2025 - we are going to be the flagship city for the whole year and Bradford Live was going to be our flagship opener, bringing tourism back into Bradford."

The councillor asked the local authority to be "transparent" with the district's residents and explain the state of play.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said its contract with the NEC Group remained, but declined to issue a formal statement.

The council also refused to confirm whether the venue would open this autumn and said all enquiries about operational matters should be directed to the NEC Group.

'Rumours for weeks'

Analysis from Spencer Stokes, BBC Look North

The 1930s art deco building was going to be demolished, but campaigners fought a long battle to save it.

Bradford Live then won a bid to reopen it as a performance and events venue, and in 2017 they appointed NEC Group from Birmingham as the operator.

Restoration work began in 2019 and the venue was set to open in autumn 2024 in time for Bradford’s year in the national spotlight.

Rumours have circulated for several weeks about NEC Group, but the company has refused to comment on any speculation.

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