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‘We can’t sell Odeon’
5:52am Saturday 10th May 2008
Comments (96)Yorkshire Forward has put paid to campaigners' plans to buy Bradford's former Odeon building by confirming it is not for sale.
The regional regeneration agency bought the empty building in 2003 for £2 million with the hope of redeveloping it.
A design competition resulted in a winning bid from Langtree Artisan which involved demolishing the one-time theatre and bingo hall. Langtree's £55 million New Victoria Place scheme includes offices, apartments and a hotel.
But the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (Borg) has drawn up its own plans, retaining the towers and creating a third. Its scheme includes a 130-bed hotel, car park, a nightclub and 2,200 seat auditorium to run as a concert hall and cinema.
It has now offered to buy the building from Yorkshire Forward for £3m, with the backing of a mystery "well-known property investor", with the building then put in trust for the city.
Borg member John Pennington said he wants Jan Anderson, the director of environment at Yorkshire Forward, to make good on a public pledge to sell the Odeon should a suitable buyer come forward.
But Yorkshire Forward has told the Telegraph & Argus Miss Anderson's comments had been taken out of context.
The T&A was at the meeting where the "pledge" was made and our report quoted Miss Anderson as saying: "There is not a private sector buyer who would turn it into a concert hall or a theatre because it is not financially viable. If you can find someone out there who is willing to do that, then I will get the Yorkshire Forward board to sell it to them straight away."
Today Miss Anderson confirmed Yorkshire Forward was not in a position to sell the Odeon as it had a legal agreement with Langtree Artisan.
She said: "As a result of that open competition, on which there was public consultation, we chose Langtree Artisan as our preferred developer. Legally, we cannot now, and do not wish to, walk away from that statutory procurement process and follow a completely different tack.
"The UK Government does not allow bodies like Regional Development Agencies to pursue any procurement route other than open competitions in these cases."
As well as the mystery investor, Borg says it also has operators interested in the nightclub, car park and hotel side of its development plans.
Mr Pennington said: "We have support from a successful Irish-based hotel group. And we even have a legendary operator ready to sign up for the proposed 700-capacity nightclub. This iconic building will have something for everyone."
Borg chairman Norman Littlewood said: "We want to make the Odeon the People's Palace and form a charitable trust where the community can have financial involvement large or small, individuals or businesses, indeed we already have offers.
"We have the plans and we have developer interest, all we need now is for Yorkshire Forward to fulfil its pledge."
- Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here
Your Say YourBradford
albion, west riding says...
6:16am Sat 10 May 08
albion, west riding says...
6:16am Sat 10 May 08
Libby T Bodiss, Bradford says...
7:08am Sat 10 May 08
This was an open competition, they say, but I don't know anyone who was invited to take part, why , oh, why don't they have a referendum, and ask the people of Bradford, what they would like. Make it Simple, just 10 words, Would you like BORG to redevelop the Odeon, or not?
Am I alone in being under the impression that the staff of Yorkshire Forward, like the staff of the Regeneration Office, walk round Bradford with their heads stuck firmly up their arses, not watching or listening to the people of our City?
Libby T Bodiss, Bradford says...
7:08am Sat 10 May 08
This was an open competition, they say, but I don't know anyone who was invited to take part, why , oh, why don't they have a referendum, and ask the people of Bradford, what they would like. Make it Simple, just 10 words, Would you like BORG to redevelop the Odeon, or not?
Am I alone in being under the impression that the staff of Yorkshire Forward, like the staff of the Regeneration Office, walk round Bradford with their heads stuck firmly up their arses, not watching or listening to the people of our City?
Libby T Bodiss, Bradford says...
7:08am Sat 10 May 08
This was an open competition, they say, but I don't know anyone who was invited to take part, why , oh, why don't they have a referendum, and ask the people of Bradford, what they would like. Make it Simple, just 10 words, Would you like BORG to redevelop the Odeon, or not?
Am I alone in being under the impression that the staff of Yorkshire Forward, like the staff of the Regeneration Office, walk round Bradford with their heads stuck firmly up their arses, not watching or listening to the people of our City?
mad matt, Bradford says...
8:56am Sat 10 May 08
mad matt, Bradford says...
8:56am Sat 10 May 08
mad matt, Bradford says...
8:56am Sat 10 May 08
student t, Baildon says...
9:15am Sat 10 May 08
That the future of this building should rest with an un-elected body is totally wrong
student t, Baildon says...
9:15am Sat 10 May 08
That the future of this building should rest with an un-elected body is totally wrong
student t, Baildon says...
9:15am Sat 10 May 08
That the future of this building should rest with an un-elected body is totally wrong
roadking, bradfiord says...
9:32am Sat 10 May 08
roadking, bradfiord says...
9:32am Sat 10 May 08
roadking, bradfiord says...
9:32am Sat 10 May 08
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
9:38am Sat 10 May 08
More so, I have Kris Hopkins making the same pledge on the recording.
It is truly depressing to know we have what can only be described as dis-honourable people supposedly with the best interests of the city of Bradford and its people at heart!
BCR are well renowned for iffy smokescreens, but even their best efforts have now been eclipsed... This will be taken all the way, Yorkshire Forward!!!
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
9:38am Sat 10 May 08
More so, I have Kris Hopkins making the same pledge on the recording.
It is truly depressing to know we have what can only be described as dis-honourable people supposedly with the best interests of the city of Bradford and its people at heart!
BCR are well renowned for iffy smokescreens, but even their best efforts have now been eclipsed... This will be taken all the way, Yorkshire Forward!!!
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
9:38am Sat 10 May 08
More so, I have Kris Hopkins making the same pledge on the recording.
It is truly depressing to know we have what can only be described as dis-honourable people supposedly with the best interests of the city of Bradford and its people at heart!
BCR are well renowned for iffy smokescreens, but even their best efforts have now been eclipsed... This will be taken all the way, Yorkshire Forward!!!
albion, west riding says...
9:49am Sat 10 May 08
albion, west riding says...
9:49am Sat 10 May 08
albion, west riding says...
9:49am Sat 10 May 08
chris, BRADFORD says...
10:24am Sat 10 May 08
chris, BRADFORD says...
10:24am Sat 10 May 08
chris, BRADFORD says...
10:24am Sat 10 May 08
skippy, says...
11:08am Sat 10 May 08
skippy, says...
11:08am Sat 10 May 08
skippy, says...
11:08am Sat 10 May 08
James, Cullingworth says...
11:18am Sat 10 May 08
Libby T Bodiss wrote:Where have you been?! It certainly was an open competition, Yorkshire Forward invited developers across the world to tender for it, whch they did. From those who submitted a draft scheme 3 were chosen to go forward to public consultation.
"As a result of that open competition, " This was an open competition, they say, but I don't know anyone who was invited to take part, why , oh, why don't they have a referendum, and ask the people of Bradford, what they would like. Make it Simple, just 10 words, Would you like BORG to redevelop the Odeon, or not? Am I alone in being under the impression that the staff of Yorkshire Forward, like the staff of the Regeneration Office, walk round Bradford with their heads stuck firmly up their arses, not watching or listening to the people of our City?
You had the opportunity to comment by going to the Media Museum, Jacobs Well or online.
Not that it was much point as they just chose the scheme they wanted.
James, Cullingworth says...
11:18am Sat 10 May 08
Libby T Bodiss wrote:Where have you been?! It certainly was an open competition, Yorkshire Forward invited developers across the world to tender for it, whch they did. From those who submitted a draft scheme 3 were chosen to go forward to public consultation.
"As a result of that open competition, " This was an open competition, they say, but I don't know anyone who was invited to take part, why , oh, why don't they have a referendum, and ask the people of Bradford, what they would like. Make it Simple, just 10 words, Would you like BORG to redevelop the Odeon, or not? Am I alone in being under the impression that the staff of Yorkshire Forward, like the staff of the Regeneration Office, walk round Bradford with their heads stuck firmly up their arses, not watching or listening to the people of our City?
You had the opportunity to comment by going to the Media Museum, Jacobs Well or online.
Not that it was much point as they just chose the scheme they wanted.
James, Cullingworth says...
11:18am Sat 10 May 08
Libby T Bodiss wrote:Where have you been?! It certainly was an open competition, Yorkshire Forward invited developers across the world to tender for it, whch they did. From those who submitted a draft scheme 3 were chosen to go forward to public consultation.
"As a result of that open competition, " This was an open competition, they say, but I don't know anyone who was invited to take part, why , oh, why don't they have a referendum, and ask the people of Bradford, what they would like. Make it Simple, just 10 words, Would you like BORG to redevelop the Odeon, or not? Am I alone in being under the impression that the staff of Yorkshire Forward, like the staff of the Regeneration Office, walk round Bradford with their heads stuck firmly up their arses, not watching or listening to the people of our City?
You had the opportunity to comment by going to the Media Museum, Jacobs Well or online.
Not that it was much point as they just chose the scheme they wanted.
Dan, Bradford says...
11:40am Sat 10 May 08
Dan, Bradford says...
11:40am Sat 10 May 08
Dan, Bradford says...
11:40am Sat 10 May 08
spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
1:41pm Sat 10 May 08
spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
1:41pm Sat 10 May 08
spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
1:41pm Sat 10 May 08
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
2:58pm Sat 10 May 08
Meanwhile here are the quotes - IN FULL - regarding the selling of the Odeon to a Private Sector buyer from both Kris Hopkins and Jan Anderson, as transcribed from my recording of the BCR Public Question Time on Feb 11th at the Midland Hotel:
Kris Hopkins: "Somebody is going to have to put their hand in their pocket and deliver some amazing, new concert hall if that's what you're wanting to do and, actually, if the Private Sector guy out there - or woman - who wants to do that and wants to come and see me, I'll tell you what, I'll grasp your hand and run you to that finishing line as soon as possible."
Jan Anderson: "There isn't a Private Sector buyer who would take it off our hands and convert it into a cultural centre, a theatre because it's just financially unviable. The amount of investment you would have to put in that building to make it work as a theatre. As Kris said, if there's anybody out there who wants to do that I'll get Yorkshire Forward's board to sell them the building straight away."
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
2:58pm Sat 10 May 08
Meanwhile here are the quotes - IN FULL - regarding the selling of the Odeon to a Private Sector buyer from both Kris Hopkins and Jan Anderson, as transcribed from my recording of the BCR Public Question Time on Feb 11th at the Midland Hotel:
Kris Hopkins: "Somebody is going to have to put their hand in their pocket and deliver some amazing, new concert hall if that's what you're wanting to do and, actually, if the Private Sector guy out there - or woman - who wants to do that and wants to come and see me, I'll tell you what, I'll grasp your hand and run you to that finishing line as soon as possible."
Jan Anderson: "There isn't a Private Sector buyer who would take it off our hands and convert it into a cultural centre, a theatre because it's just financially unviable. The amount of investment you would have to put in that building to make it work as a theatre. As Kris said, if there's anybody out there who wants to do that I'll get Yorkshire Forward's board to sell them the building straight away."
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
2:58pm Sat 10 May 08
Meanwhile here are the quotes - IN FULL - regarding the selling of the Odeon to a Private Sector buyer from both Kris Hopkins and Jan Anderson, as transcribed from my recording of the BCR Public Question Time on Feb 11th at the Midland Hotel:
Kris Hopkins: "Somebody is going to have to put their hand in their pocket and deliver some amazing, new concert hall if that's what you're wanting to do and, actually, if the Private Sector guy out there - or woman - who wants to do that and wants to come and see me, I'll tell you what, I'll grasp your hand and run you to that finishing line as soon as possible."
Jan Anderson: "There isn't a Private Sector buyer who would take it off our hands and convert it into a cultural centre, a theatre because it's just financially unviable. The amount of investment you would have to put in that building to make it work as a theatre. As Kris said, if there's anybody out there who wants to do that I'll get Yorkshire Forward's board to sell them the building straight away."
David, Bradford says...
4:44pm Sat 10 May 08
Thankyou Jo Winrow for quoting the truth in your T&A article.
To Jan Anderson I say resign and go!
Bradford Council and our MPs will you now sort Maud and Jan out. John Pennington/Borg offer of £3m should be accepted and the restoration/extensio
n so well described in the T&A today be allowed to go ahead.
David, Bradford says...
4:44pm Sat 10 May 08
Thankyou Jo Winrow for quoting the truth in your T&A article.
To Jan Anderson I say resign and go!
Bradford Council and our MPs will you now sort Maud and Jan out. John Pennington/Borg offer of £3m should be accepted and the restoration/extensio
n so well described in the T&A today be allowed to go ahead.
David, Bradford says...
4:44pm Sat 10 May 08
Thankyou Jo Winrow for quoting the truth in your T&A article.
To Jan Anderson I say resign and go!
Bradford Council and our MPs will you now sort Maud and Jan out. John Pennington/Borg offer of £3m should be accepted and the restoration/extensio
n so well described in the T&A today be allowed to go ahead.
David, Bradford says...
4:46pm Sat 10 May 08
Can anyone find this? I have Googled and failed.
David, Bradford says...
4:46pm Sat 10 May 08
Can anyone find this? I have Googled and failed.
David, Bradford says...
4:46pm Sat 10 May 08
Can anyone find this? I have Googled and failed.
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
5:20pm Sat 10 May 08
type the following into google:
skyscrapercity bradford page 43
That should direct you to the latest page...
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
5:20pm Sat 10 May 08
type the following into google:
skyscrapercity bradford page 43
That should direct you to the latest page...
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
5:20pm Sat 10 May 08
type the following into google:
skyscrapercity bradford page 43
That should direct you to the latest page...
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
6:37pm Sat 10 May 08
SAVE THE ODEON.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
6:37pm Sat 10 May 08
SAVE THE ODEON.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
6:37pm Sat 10 May 08
SAVE THE ODEON.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
10:28pm Sat 10 May 08
skippy wrote:you are not from Bradford
knock it down its an eyesore.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
10:28pm Sat 10 May 08
skippy wrote:you are not from Bradford
knock it down its an eyesore.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
10:28pm Sat 10 May 08
skippy wrote:you are not from Bradford
knock it down its an eyesore.
born n bred, Bradford says...
12:39am Sun 11 May 08
Give them the respect they deserve!
born n bred, Bradford says...
12:39am Sun 11 May 08
Give them the respect they deserve!
born n bred, Bradford says...
12:39am Sun 11 May 08
Give them the respect they deserve!
Where is me hat?, Bradford says...
7:54am Sun 11 May 08
No wonder people detest politicians and their lackeys.
Where is me hat?, Bradford says...
7:54am Sun 11 May 08
No wonder people detest politicians and their lackeys.
Where is me hat?, Bradford says...
7:54am Sun 11 May 08
No wonder people detest politicians and their lackeys.
skippy, says...
9:32am Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:oh yes i am and its an eyesore,knock it down and build a mosque,taxi rank,sari shop,green grocer or a jewellers then it will fit in with most areas of this once proud city.
skippy wrote: knock it down its an eyesore.you are not from Bradford
skippy, says...
9:32am Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:oh yes i am and its an eyesore,knock it down and build a mosque,taxi rank,sari shop,green grocer or a jewellers then it will fit in with most areas of this once proud city.
skippy wrote: knock it down its an eyesore.you are not from Bradford
skippy, says...
9:32am Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:oh yes i am and its an eyesore,knock it down and build a mosque,taxi rank,sari shop,green grocer or a jewellers then it will fit in with most areas of this once proud city.
skippy wrote: knock it down its an eyesore.you are not from Bradford
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
1:48pm Sun 11 May 08
It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon.
SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
1:48pm Sun 11 May 08
It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon.
SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
1:48pm Sun 11 May 08
It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon.
SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
albion, west riding says...
6:16am Sat 10 May 08