Bradford Live: A waste of money or worth the wait?

Bradford Live had been due to open in November

After months of uncertainty it has been announced the search is on for a new operator for Bradford's £50m landmark entertainment venue Bradford Live.

In a joint statement, the city council and NEC Live said they had parted company with immediate effect, ending a seven-year relationship during which the former cinema had been transformed into a 3,800-seat venue thanks to around £50m of public money.

Slated to open in November, ahead of the area's year as UK City of Culture, that ribbon cutting has now been put on ice until a new operator is found.

As news of the announcement broke, the BBC spoke to people into the city to gauge their reaction and ask what they hope will happen next.

'A waste of money'

Linda Priestley said the money should have been spent on front line services like health care

"Well, it's a waste of money, isn't it?"

Originally from Holme Wood but now living in Leeds, 48-year-old Linda Priestley shared her scathing assessment of the project during a visit to see her father.

"Look at the government now. They're taking away pensioners' cold weather payments and everything else," she said.

"They could be spending all these millions on more important things."

While she was pleased the building had been preserved she questioned who would come in to run it.

"I just hope and pray that someone does, because what is there in Bradford anymore?"

"There's nothing, there's nothing."

'It's quite a shock'

Drew Oldfield thinks when the venue opens it will bring people and money into the city centre

Across the road from the towers of Bradford Live, lies the Cake 'ole cafe in City Park.

Cafe supervisor Drew Oldfield said the news about their imposing neighbour had come as "quite a shock" and he was concerned about the impact on the business.

"To know that a venue like that, which could bring in so many people and large profits, to let it go and that we might not have it."

However, the 22-year-old said he still expected the venue to open at some point.

"Once all the roadworks in the city centre itself have been done, it will help bring everyone back into Bradford."

'I thought it was part of the Alhambra'

Jazmine Chaudary thought Bradford Live was part of The Alhambra Theatre

Nurse Jazmine Chaudary said she did not even realise it was a music venue, assuming it was part of the theatre next door.

"I just thought it was something to do with the Alhambra, maybe a hall," she said.

"Whenever I walked past, it just seemed shut."

The 22-year-old said if an new operator was found the venue could make the city more attractive to visitors.

"Bradford has a little bit of a reputation for not being a good area.

"And, at the minute town, is a bit overwhelmed by roadworks and all that type of stuff."

'Terrible news'

Nabeel Ahmed said the work on the former cinema had improved the surrounding area

Father-of-two Nabeel Ahmed was out for the afternoon in the city centre with his partner and their children when he stopped to talk.

"I think it's terrible, because it does look quite nice and it would have been something else to bring to Bradford.

"But with it not opening, it's terrible.

"Don't get me wrong, it's looking nice, but for them to spend that much and pull out, it's wrong."

The 26-year-old, who works as sandwich packer, was optimistic about the effect Bradford Live would have if it opens.

"It looks good, it would open that area up more because it looked terrible before, and it would just be something good to look forward to."

'You'll get your money back'

Laurence Smith believes the venue will eventually pay for itself

Laurence Smith was visiting Bradford as part of a coach tour of York and West Yorkshire.

The 80-year-old, from North Wiltshire, said: "All towns should have that kind of facility. It does bring an energy and a vitality to a community.

"It has a wide appeal to all sorts, especially a diverse town like Bradford I would have thought."

He added: "It may cost £50m to set it up but you'll get your money back. It's not all one way.

"You'll get your money back and you'll get spin-offs that make it well worthwhile.

"It's not just a question of finance."

The council has invested more than £43.75m into the venue

Announcing the decision, council leader Susan Hinchcliffe, said she had been led to believe there was interest from a number of potential operators in taking on the venue and said she was "aiming to have the venue operational in 2025".

Lee Craven, founding director of Bradford Live said: "Bringing this much-loved building back to life has been a huge task spanning years and involving many tough challenges.

"Throughout, we have had the steadfast support of Bradford Council, who have never wavered in their commitment.

"The result is a world-class music venue whose quality exceeds even our own hopes.

"We look forward to securing a new operator soon who can do justice to the building’s potential and make Bradford Live a ‘must play’ venue for major touring acts."