Bradford Council has finalised a 25-year lease agreement with Trafalgar Entertainment to operate the newly restored Bradford Live venue, a key asset in the city’s cultural and economic strategy.
The former 1930s cinema has been transformed into a 3,800-seat venue, with Trafalgar Entertainment now managing operations. The long-term lease guarantees Bradford Council an annual rental income and a share of the venue’s profits, with projections suggesting the agreement could generate £17 million for the council over the contract period.
Initially expected to cost up to £25 million, the project received nearly £44 million in public funding—primarily from Bradford Council, with additional contributions from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, central government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The deal follows a turbulent period after the previous operator, NEC Group, withdrew from the project in 2023. Trafalgar Entertainment has since completed major renovations and installed thousands of seats before the venue’s official opening in September. A preview concert on 1 August, featuring the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra and community choir Bantam of the Opera, will mark the first public event in the space.
While the full events calendar has yet to be announced, the venue is expected to play a significant role in Bradford’s upcoming City of Culture year, enhancing the city’s profile and offering local economic development and tourism opportunities.
