Call for clarity over Bradford Live's future

Bradford Live, March 2024

Traders and music fans in Bradford have called for more information on the city's new flagship venue as uncertainty over its future prevails.

Bradford Live, a 3,800-capacity venue in the city's former Odeon Cinema, is due to open later this year but after two initial acts were announced, no further shows have been listed.

Concerns have been growing about whether NEC - the promoter tasked with bringing in artists - was still attached to the project.

That uncertainty has led to further questions about whether the venue would open on time – and the impact of any delays on the city's night time economy.

Elizabeth Murphy, MD of Bradford at Night, says the project can have a real impact

Traders relying on a Bradford Live knock-on to add to the city’s night time economy have asked for clarity.

Elizabeth Murphy, chief executive of Bradford at Night, which represents key names in the city centre night time economy, including theatres, pubs, hotels and restaurants, said, "factual information would be really, really useful right now".

“We really want to get this up and running and our businesses want it.

“It will have an impact, a real positive impact, when it does open - and it will open," she added.

'Stick with Bradford': Music fans (from top clockwise) Stewart Underwood and Morgan Hood; Kevin Connolly; Kayhan Moderassi and Axel Senyszyn

Music fans have also demanded clarity, and some big name announcements.

College student Stewart Underwood, 17, would love to see Metallica or Slipknot play at the venue.

He and friend Morgan Hood are too young to remember the old Odeon cinema building and the 15-year campaign to save it, but said his parents talked “all the time” about the site.

Fellow college student Axel Senyszyn added: “Big artists don't come to Bradford. They always go to Leeds or Manchester.

"It's really difficult. I'm nearly 18, I've never been to a concert because they don't come to Bradford.

"So my message is please put some decent people in Bradford and please stick with Bradford!”

'Need a big name'

Kayhan Moderassi Chahardehi is 22 and a filmmaker and artist.

She said music was important to her and to the city’s "future creative ambitions".

Kevin Connolly remembered going to the Odeon as a child. He said he would also appreciate some clarity – and some ambition.

“The question I wanted to ask before this arose was who’s going to be the first act to open it?” he said

“We obviously need a big name. I think maybe an ex-Bradford act and here's a little tip for you… Kiki Dee coming out of retirement and opening it with Sir Elton John?

“They’d better not let us down now, after all this effort they've put into it to fall at the final hurdle would be unbelievable. Don't go breaking our hearts!"

'Working to contract'

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "There is a contract with NEC and that remains in place".

The spokesperson added: "Building works at this world-class venue are running to schedule and on target for practical completion in June."

A spokesperson for Bradford Live, the company developing the building also said: “Bradford Live has a contract with the NEC to deliver this venue, and we are working to that contract.”

He added: “We are on track to reach practical completion by June.

"All questions regarding operation and programming need to be addressed to the NEC.

"We are looking forward to revealing this stunning and unique venue to the people of Bradford. It will serve the city for years to come"

The BBC has approached NEC for comment.