Construction work at the new Bradford Live venue has reached ‘practical completion’.
This means all the major building work at the former Odeon cinema in the city centre has been finished and it is ready for the final fit-out.
After being empty for around 20 years, the art deco building, which originally opened in 1930 and in the 1950s and ‘60s hosted legends including Buddy Holly and The Beatles – on the first date of their first ever UK tour, has been beautifully restored and transformed into a world-class, 3,800-capacity music and entertainment venue.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This is an exciting day for Bradford and a milestone in our ambitious efforts to regenerate the city centre.
“It has been a joy to watch this much-loved building coming back to life.
“Not only has an iconic building been saved but it has been given an incredibly exciting new future as one of the region’s best live entertainment venues.
“Bradford Live will play a crucial role in the regeneration of our city centre, improving Bradford as an entertainment destination, attracting new visitors and offering employment and economic opportunity for our district.”
Lee Craven, founding director of Bradford Live, said: “Reaching practical completion is a vital milestone in bringing this beloved building back to its former glory.
“We’ve battled tough challenges for over three years, but the restored venue justifies all the hardship.
“We’ve worked closely with Bradford Council throughout the works and would like to thank them for their unwavering support and commitment. This investment will serve the city and people of Bradford for decades to come.”
Work on the landmark building on Godwin Street, next to the Alhambra Theatre and opposite City Park, has been led by local construction firm RN Wooler, from Keighley.
Gareth Wooler, director at R N Wooler, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to restore this local heritage building.
“Construction on Bradford Live commenced in 2020; it’s been quite a journey but one which all our colleagues and fellow associates on the design team have relished. There have been many challenges but nothing we collectively haven’t been able to overcome.
“We would like to thank our incredible team and the wider project personnel for their endeavours in extending the legacy of this Bradford icon.”
The cost of the scheme is £50.5m, of which £43.75m is from the council and the remainder from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group will now be progressed.
