Bradford’s Odeon has fallen into a considerable state of disrepair since closing in 2000, with numerous plans for development falling through. However, the purchase of the commercial property by Bradford Council earlier this year for just £1 has allowed the former cinema a new lease of life, with plans to turn it into a major music venue this week gaining the approval of senior council officers.
After closing, the building was purchased in 2003 by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, yet the ensuing development agreement with Langtree Artisan fell through last September due to the abolition of the body. This agreement would have seen the building demolished and subsequently redeveloped, yet the Homes and Communities Agency which took over the site believed a sustainable future for the Odeon was a preferable option.
Under new plans, the Odeon will be transformed into a 4,000 seat performance venue capable of attracting major musicians, theatre groups and speakers to the city.
Although planning permission is yet to be granted, the backing of council officials has led most local residents to believe that the Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s executive committee will pass the motion with a significant majority, meaning the venue could open as early as spring 2018.
Charitable company Bradford Live has been responsible for the drawing up of plans, and chairman Lee Craven claims that the new venue would provide more of a draw than the city’s current main venue Westfield.
He says; “Can Bradford support a venue like that? Yes, it would be a regional venue. It would be putting Bradford on the map for major performers and musicians touring, and that is really exciting.”
According to Mr Craven, the redevelopment of the Odeon building would allow Bradford to establish a cultural quarter around the existing City Park – a six acre area which contains the largest man-made water feature of any UK city.
Although around £18 million in funding would be required for the capital conversion costs in the ambitious project, Bradford Live is currently in discussions with bodies such as the Arts Council, RGF and ERDF in a bid to raise the money.
Should permission be granted, Bradford Live intends to rent out the main space within the venue to a commercial operator, with the remaining smaller ballroom and restaurant area running separately. The main auditorium would be capable of hosting around 150 events per year, with the smaller area expected to attract around 200 performers per annum.
Mr Craven also points out that transforming the Odeon into a major music destination would allow for future development works should local residents respond well to the performances on offer.
He says; “There’s enough space [to the rear of the existing property] for new buildings to be built once the main venue is done.
“It is a key link building between City Park and the university and college – there is a real opportunity here. It could give Bradford city centre something really special.”
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