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‘We can’t sell Odeon’
5:52am Saturday 10th May 2008
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
Richard, Everywhere says...
4:35pm Sun 1 Jun 08
That being said, it's not as though there's no other derelict land in Bradford it could be built on. Why not build it at the back of TJ Hughes (where the "Southgate" development was meant to go...) - same locational advantages, no need to demolish a beautiful 70 year old building. Or why not build it in the car park near the crown courts and Victoria Hotel; it would finish that square off nicely.
I have no objection to the principle of NVP, but I do NOT believe that the benefits it will bring will outweigh the costs of losing the Odeon.
Richard, Everywhere says...
4:35pm Sun 1 Jun 08
That being said, it's not as though there's no other derelict land in Bradford it could be built on. Why not build it at the back of TJ Hughes (where the "Southgate" development was meant to go...) - same locational advantages, no need to demolish a beautiful 70 year old building. Or why not build it in the car park near the crown courts and Victoria Hotel; it would finish that square off nicely.
I have no objection to the principle of NVP, but I do NOT believe that the benefits it will bring will outweigh the costs of losing the Odeon.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
2:27pm Mon 12 May 08
Odeon Crusader wrote:Well said O.C! And you read it in the Yorkshire post who give the Odeon fair coverage as opposed to one Bradford paper that doesn't! But Mr Mally did say in the next breath that he would like to meet with the mystery developer. So why would he if the deal to demolish our Odeon has been done? Not a lost cause I would say at all.
I have just read elsewhere that today Councillor Mallinson blames BORG for "hampering" the development of the Odeon site and if he had the keys to the bulldozer, the Odeon would have been flattened by now.
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Just been listening to Radio Leeds and they were asking people from Bradford if they wanted to keep the Odeon. All the people I heard wanted to. They said it is our last hope to save the city and counciller Mallinson wouldn't come on the radio show to answer listeners questions. Make out of that what you will!
SAVE THE ODEON!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
2:27pm Mon 12 May 08
Odeon Crusader wrote:Well said O.C! And you read it in the Yorkshire post who give the Odeon fair coverage as opposed to one Bradford paper that doesn't! But Mr Mally did say in the next breath that he would like to meet with the mystery developer. So why would he if the deal to demolish our Odeon has been done? Not a lost cause I would say at all.
I have just read elsewhere that today Councillor Mallinson blames BORG for "hampering" the development of the Odeon site and if he had the keys to the bulldozer, the Odeon would have been flattened by now.
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Just been listening to Radio Leeds and they were asking people from Bradford if they wanted to keep the Odeon. All the people I heard wanted to. They said it is our last hope to save the city and counciller Mallinson wouldn't come on the radio show to answer listeners questions. Make out of that what you will!
SAVE THE ODEON!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
2:27pm Mon 12 May 08
Odeon Crusader wrote:Well said O.C! And you read it in the Yorkshire post who give the Odeon fair coverage as opposed to one Bradford paper that doesn't! But Mr Mally did say in the next breath that he would like to meet with the mystery developer. So why would he if the deal to demolish our Odeon has been done? Not a lost cause I would say at all.
I have just read elsewhere that today Councillor Mallinson blames BORG for "hampering" the development of the Odeon site and if he had the keys to the bulldozer, the Odeon would have been flattened by now.
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Just been listening to Radio Leeds and they were asking people from Bradford if they wanted to keep the Odeon. All the people I heard wanted to. They said it is our last hope to save the city and counciller Mallinson wouldn't come on the radio show to answer listeners questions. Make out of that what you will!
SAVE THE ODEON!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
2:13pm Mon 12 May 08
Odeon Crusader wrote:Well said O.C! And you read it in the Yorkshire post who give the Odeon fair coverage as opposed to one Bradford paper that doesn't! But Mr Mally did say in the next breath that he would like to meet with the mystery developer. So why would he if the deal to demolish our Odeon has been done? Not a lost cause I would say at all.
I have just read elsewhere that today Councillor Mallinson blames BORG for "hampering" the development of the Odeon site and if he had the keys to the bulldozer, the Odeon would have been flattened by now.
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Just been listening to Radio Leeds and they were asking people from Bradford if they wanted to keep the Odeon. All the people I heard wanted to. They said it is our last hope to save the city and counciller Mallinson wouldn't come on the radio show to answer listeners questions. Make out of that what you will!
SAVE THE ODEON!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
2:13pm Mon 12 May 08
Odeon Crusader wrote:Well said O.C! And you read it in the Yorkshire post who give the Odeon fair coverage as opposed to one Bradford paper that doesn't! But Mr Mally did say in the next breath that he would like to meet with the mystery developer. So why would he if the deal to demolish our Odeon has been done? Not a lost cause I would say at all.
I have just read elsewhere that today Councillor Mallinson blames BORG for "hampering" the development of the Odeon site and if he had the keys to the bulldozer, the Odeon would have been flattened by now.
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Just been listening to Radio Leeds and they were asking people from Bradford if they wanted to keep the Odeon. All the people I heard wanted to. They said it is our last hope to save the city and counciller Mallinson wouldn't come on the radio show to answer listeners questions. Make out of that what you will!
SAVE THE ODEON!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
2:13pm Mon 12 May 08
Odeon Crusader wrote:Well said O.C! And you read it in the Yorkshire post who give the Odeon fair coverage as opposed to one Bradford paper that doesn't! But Mr Mally did say in the next breath that he would like to meet with the mystery developer. So why would he if the deal to demolish our Odeon has been done? Not a lost cause I would say at all.
I have just read elsewhere that today Councillor Mallinson blames BORG for "hampering" the development of the Odeon site and if he had the keys to the bulldozer, the Odeon would have been flattened by now.
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Just been listening to Radio Leeds and they were asking people from Bradford if they wanted to keep the Odeon. All the people I heard wanted to. They said it is our last hope to save the city and counciller Mallinson wouldn't come on the radio show to answer listeners questions. Make out of that what you will!
SAVE THE ODEON!
David, Bradford says...
1:39pm Mon 12 May 08
quote]
He is right.
Well done BORG, it shows you doing a good job by being mentioned.
Many, many Bradford want the New Victoria theatre got back from the Odeon Cinema/bingo complex and BORG are the ones speaking up for this. As indeviduals such as myself nothing happens, no one listens but with BORG for us we have been heard.
To Councilor Mallinson I would say take controll of Maud and Jan and
sell the site to John Pennington and let him have a go with his plans.
David, Bradford says...
1:39pm Mon 12 May 08
quote]
He is right.
Well done BORG, it shows you doing a good job by being mentioned.
Many, many Bradford want the New Victoria theatre got back from the Odeon Cinema/bingo complex and BORG are the ones speaking up for this. As indeviduals such as myself nothing happens, no one listens but with BORG for us we have been heard.
To Councilor Mallinson I would say take controll of Maud and Jan and
sell the site to John Pennington and let him have a go with his plans.
David, Bradford says...
1:39pm Mon 12 May 08
quote]
He is right.
Well done BORG, it shows you doing a good job by being mentioned.
Many, many Bradford want the New Victoria theatre got back from the Odeon Cinema/bingo complex and BORG are the ones speaking up for this. As indeviduals such as myself nothing happens, no one listens but with BORG for us we have been heard.
To Councilor Mallinson I would say take controll of Maud and Jan and
sell the site to John Pennington and let him have a go with his plans.
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
12:24pm Mon 12 May 08
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
12:24pm Mon 12 May 08
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
12:24pm Mon 12 May 08
All BORG have done is represent the many in this city who do not want to lose the Odeon and come up with an alternative proposal to keep it.
What else should BORG have done? Lie on its back and let Maud Marshall tickle its tummy whilst her demolition team does it worst?
Next up Mallinson will be blaming BORG for the Westfield debacle!!! What a desperate man...
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:14pm Sun 11 May 08
skippy wrote:Not 'was'but built by local people and proud of it. What does it matter if its old. It is still a lovely building and a massive landmark that everyone here knows.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:the key word you used is was,knock it down
well mr or mrs skippy, why should we turn it into a mosque or green grocer. The green grocer is not viable and a mosque would not be for everyone. Why do you want to knock down something that was built in 1930 by an architect from Bradford and was built proudly by local people. The gaumont as it started out as was a cinema and a theatre in one go and was a brilliant place to be. My mother WON a dancing comp there and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played there. The place is part of Bradfords recent culture and I know that most people are proud of it. It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon. SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
SAVE THE ODEON.
SAVE THE ODEON
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:14pm Sun 11 May 08
skippy wrote:Not 'was'but built by local people and proud of it. What does it matter if its old. It is still a lovely building and a massive landmark that everyone here knows.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:the key word you used is was,knock it down
well mr or mrs skippy, why should we turn it into a mosque or green grocer. The green grocer is not viable and a mosque would not be for everyone. Why do you want to knock down something that was built in 1930 by an architect from Bradford and was built proudly by local people. The gaumont as it started out as was a cinema and a theatre in one go and was a brilliant place to be. My mother WON a dancing comp there and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played there. The place is part of Bradfords recent culture and I know that most people are proud of it. It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon. SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
SAVE THE ODEON.
SAVE THE ODEON
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:14pm Sun 11 May 08
skippy wrote:Not 'was'but built by local people and proud of it. What does it matter if its old. It is still a lovely building and a massive landmark that everyone here knows.
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:the key word you used is was,knock it down
well mr or mrs skippy, why should we turn it into a mosque or green grocer. The green grocer is not viable and a mosque would not be for everyone. Why do you want to knock down something that was built in 1930 by an architect from Bradford and was built proudly by local people. The gaumont as it started out as was a cinema and a theatre in one go and was a brilliant place to be. My mother WON a dancing comp there and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played there. The place is part of Bradfords recent culture and I know that most people are proud of it. It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon. SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
SAVE THE ODEON.
SAVE THE ODEON
skippy, says...
6:12pm Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:the key word you used is was,knock it down
well mr or mrs skippy, why should we turn it into a mosque or green grocer. The green grocer is not viable and a mosque would not be for everyone. Why do you want to knock down something that was built in 1930 by an architect from Bradford and was built proudly by local people. The gaumont as it started out as was a cinema and a theatre in one go and was a brilliant place to be. My mother WON a dancing comp there and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played there. The place is part of Bradfords recent culture and I know that most people are proud of it. It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon. SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
skippy, says...
6:12pm Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:the key word you used is was,knock it down
well mr or mrs skippy, why should we turn it into a mosque or green grocer. The green grocer is not viable and a mosque would not be for everyone. Why do you want to knock down something that was built in 1930 by an architect from Bradford and was built proudly by local people. The gaumont as it started out as was a cinema and a theatre in one go and was a brilliant place to be. My mother WON a dancing comp there and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played there. The place is part of Bradfords recent culture and I know that most people are proud of it. It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon. SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
skippy, says...
6:12pm Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel wrote:the key word you used is was,knock it down
well mr or mrs skippy, why should we turn it into a mosque or green grocer. The green grocer is not viable and a mosque would not be for everyone. Why do you want to knock down something that was built in 1930 by an architect from Bradford and was built proudly by local people. The gaumont as it started out as was a cinema and a theatre in one go and was a brilliant place to be. My mother WON a dancing comp there and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played there. The place is part of Bradfords recent culture and I know that most people are proud of it. It looks an eyesore but inside is a very different story. People over the decades were proud of the Odeon. SAVE THE ODEON.....YEAH
mrs walker, round here says...
5:08pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker, round here says...
5:08pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker, round here says...
5:08pm Sun 11 May 08
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
4:16pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker wrote:Absolutely right Mrs Walker! They think that they know better than us, but who put these people where they are? Why don't they listen for a change? They surely cannot be from Bradford or else they would be as proud as we are.
And call for the resignation of Jan Anderson and Kris Hopkins. Or sue them for breach of (verbal!) contract??!
I am reading a book at the moment called Real England and it is about this country and all the changes going on in this great country, and against all the wishes of the locals who want to stop change. And change made by people without any consultation and change made in the name of regeneration and all for money. And what we think doesn't even matter because they know better.
55 million quid for a bit of glass when we already have something very special in this city. Absolutely grotesque. The mind boggles
SAVE THE ODEON NOW!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
4:16pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker wrote:Absolutely right Mrs Walker! They think that they know better than us, but who put these people where they are? Why don't they listen for a change? They surely cannot be from Bradford or else they would be as proud as we are.
And call for the resignation of Jan Anderson and Kris Hopkins. Or sue them for breach of (verbal!) contract??!
I am reading a book at the moment called Real England and it is about this country and all the changes going on in this great country, and against all the wishes of the locals who want to stop change. And change made by people without any consultation and change made in the name of regeneration and all for money. And what we think doesn't even matter because they know better.
55 million quid for a bit of glass when we already have something very special in this city. Absolutely grotesque. The mind boggles
SAVE THE ODEON NOW!
odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
4:16pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker wrote:Absolutely right Mrs Walker! They think that they know better than us, but who put these people where they are? Why don't they listen for a change? They surely cannot be from Bradford or else they would be as proud as we are.
And call for the resignation of Jan Anderson and Kris Hopkins. Or sue them for breach of (verbal!) contract??!
I am reading a book at the moment called Real England and it is about this country and all the changes going on in this great country, and against all the wishes of the locals who want to stop change. And change made by people without any consultation and change made in the name of regeneration and all for money. And what we think doesn't even matter because they know better.
55 million quid for a bit of glass when we already have something very special in this city. Absolutely grotesque. The mind boggles
SAVE THE ODEON NOW!
mrs walker, round here says...
2:13pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker, round here says...
2:13pm Sun 11 May 08
mrs walker, round here says...
2:13pm Sun 11 May 08
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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 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...
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.
Richard, Everywhere says...
4:35pm Sun 1 Jun 08
That being said, it's not as though there's no other derelict land in Bradford it could be built on. Why not build it at the back of TJ Hughes (where the "Southgate" development was meant to go...) - same locational advantages, no need to demolish a beautiful 70 year old building. Or why not build it in the car park near the crown courts and Victoria Hotel; it would finish that square off nicely.
I have no objection to the principle of NVP, but I do NOT believe that the benefits it will bring will outweigh the costs of losing the Odeon.