The Homes & Communities Agency [HCA] is the custodian of the building and land (they took on this responsibility when its predecessor, Yorkshire Forward, was disbanded) and they have offered to sell it to Bradford Council for a pound.
They have offered, too, the sum of £100,000 [approx £50,000 per year], which would be used for upkeep of the building and land until a developer is found.
If no developer, with a viable scheme, is found within
a few months it is quite possible that the building
could be demolished.
Any developer will need to show that they have the wherewithal to complete the development; that their plans will have been thought through and that funding is in place. They will also need to show that their plans will take into consideration the wishes of the public of Bradford, who have fought to retain the Odeon for the past ten years.
It would be fair to say that a large (3,000 +) seating auditorium which would attract ‘name’ bands and artistes seems to be favoured by the majority of people. Facilities to enable smaller audiences may also be favoured. Alongside this could be additional features such as a restaurant/possibly nightclub etc., but this will be largely up to the developer(s).
Potential developers should, in the first instance, contact Bradford Council so their plans may be discussed, privately, with the Director of Regeneration, Barra Mac Ruari.
The Bradford Odeon Rescue Group has been asked by Bradford Council to provide any information it currently holds to any prospective developer, which we are happy to do.
We will also make available any relevant information and will answer as many questions as we can about the structure, history and layout of the building. We have many photographs of the Odeon in its heyday as well as some video footage (available via this website) and our members’ knowledge of the building and land is second to none.
What we will not do, though, is comment upon or discuss any developer’s plans with a third party.
One developer, Bradford Live, has met Bradford Council; spoken to BORG; and, in mid December 2012, launched its plans at a public meeting. There is still time for other developers to come forward, but the clock is ticking.
You can see Bradford Live’s plans at: