THE chair of Bradford Civic Society has said the NEC Group’s “radio silence” over Bradford Live is doing “serious harm” to the city.
Extensive work has been taking place to transform the former Odeon cinema into Bradford Live, a promised “outstanding entertainment centre”, as part of a taxpayer-backed £50.5 million project.
It was previously stated the highly-anticipated venue would launch this autumn, just in time for Bradford being UK City of Culture in 2025.
But with autumn only weeks away, no opening date has been confirmed, no acts have been announced since the cancellation of two tribute shows at the venue in March, and questions are continuing to be asked about the involvement of the NEC Group in the scheme.
Last week, the Telegraph & Argus published an open letter to Bradford Council, Bradford Live and the NEC Group, stating we – and many of our readers – do not feel those involved in the project have been transparent enough overall so far.
The open letter contained a series of key questions – one asked the NEC Group if it still envisaged itself operating Bradford Live. The NEC Group failed to respond.
According to Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, as well as a director of Bradford Live, the NEC Group has “a contract to operate the venue” and “the legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group are progressing”.
‘We deserve answers’
Si Cunningham, chair of Bradford Civic Society – who used to be a Labour councillor alongside Cllr Ross-Shaw on Bradford Council – has this week urged the NEC Group to provide answers “as a matter of urgency”.
He told the T&A: “Recent images of the completed Bradford Live development show what a tremendous venue this should be for Bradford and the wider region.
“However, it is becoming increasingly obvious that there are doubts over who will be operating it and when it will open.
“We have heard statements from Bradford Council and Bradford Live, yet the radio silence from the NEC Group – the apparent operators – is concerning.
“We already know that Bradford Live has lost out on major national events – and questions will be asked about its readiness to serve as a venue for 2025, a key promise made as part of securing UK City of Culture status.
“NEC’s silence is beginning to do serious harm to Bradford’s regeneration efforts and its reputation as a cultural destination.
“We call on them to clarify their position as a matter of urgency.
“The people of Bradford, members of Bradford Civic Society, and many local organisations have rallied round to preserve this building and make it a success.
“They deserve answers.”
