NEC Group previews Bradford Live venue
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Formally the Bradford Odeon, the demolition work inside the building is now well under way, with many of the original art deco features revealed for the first time in over 40 years, as the concrete from the 1960s cinema structure is stripped out. The next stage of development will be the start of the renovation and restoration works, paving the way for a re-opening in the 2020/21 season.
The venue will boast the renaissance of the 1930s ballroom, which will become a 750-person capacity space, for conferencing and banqueting, whilst the double height main auditorium will be reinstated as a 4,000-capacity live events venue.
Phil Mead, NEC group chairman for the group’s arenas and ticketing company, says: “We really want to put Bradford back on the map for major touring artists. The venue has seen legends play there, such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and I’ve no doubt that we’ll see legends play there again. We are in preliminary talks with a number of promoters and event organisers to discuss the opening season and will announce this as our plans progress next year and construction dates are finalised.
“As well as creating the full time equivalent of around 50 new jobs, the venue will play an important part in the ongoing regeneration of the city led by Bradford Council and a range of partners. It will help to boost the night time economy of Bradford, increasing footfall in the city which in turn benefits local restaurants, bars and hotels.
“We’d like to encourage everyone in the Bradford area and beyond to start to share our enthusiasm for Bradford Live. We’ve just launched a new brand for the project, which nods to the geometric shapes of the art déco era and gives a reflection of the impressive towers that crown the building.”
(Jim Evans)
