Chamber calls for positive news on the Bradford Live project

Bradford Chamber of Commerce today calls for swift and positive news regarding the status of the Bradford Live project.

The flagship regeneration scheme to transform the iconic former Odeon building into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue was due to open this year, creating a entertainment space that was anticipated to welcome 300,00 visitors a year for music, sporting and comedy events.

While work is clearly still taking place at the site, a considerable amount of speculation is mounting about the venue’s future and the involvement of the NEC Group as the venue’s operator.

Given the importance of Bradford Live to the city’s future, and the fact that Bradford City of Culture is now just a few short months away from taking place, the Chamber today calls for clarity about the state-of-play with the venue from both the NEC, Bradford Council and Bradford Live itself.  

Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber, said: “With so much positive momentum currently behind the city ahead of Bradford 2025 and so much regeneration work currently underway in the city, it is crucial that we obtain clarity about the Bradford Live venue’s status.

“Our membership has grown restless and the lack of clarity in media reports has been unhelpful with regards to both the morale of business and ability to attract investment into Bradford.

“The scale of opportunity that Bradford Live presents not only for this city but for the North of England is massive and so therefore we call upon all parties to dampen speculation with a clear unequivocal backing for the project’s future.

“We at Bradford Chamber are under no illusions as to the scale of the difficulties our economy is currently facing. However, communication breeds confidence and silence merely brings fear, something that our city does not need during this pivotal time in its history.”