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New bid to protect the Odeon

6:56am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Two appeals have been lodged over a Government decision not to protect Bradford's former Odeon building by granting it listed status.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed in March that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, had taken the advice of English Heritage in turning down the sixth bid to list the 1930s building. Inspectors said it was not of sufficient architectural interest to warrant listing.

Now the DCMS will look at the matter again before deciding whether to go back to English Heritage for more information. It follows a report in the T&A on Saturday which said a campaign group hoping to save the building had an investor lined up offering to pay £3 million for the building.

The Bradford Odeon Rescue Group has its own ideas for the building, including a third tower as well as a 130-bed hotel, car park, a nightclub and 2,200 seat auditorium. But owner Yorkshire Forward confirmed it was not for sale and it had a legal agreement with the developer of the site.

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Your Say YourBradford Telegraph and Argus

sajenkin, Odsal says...
7:44am Tue 13 May 08

Its time to give up on this one. Just because a few people have fond memories of their first kiss on the back row doesnt make the building worth saving. The plain truth is that the building has little or no architectural merit, nor is it a particularly noteable example of its genre, and thats why it isnt listed. I am no supporter of the sweeping away of old buildings, and Bradford has a poor record in this respect. There are some fine buildings that thankfully survived the last blitz in the 60's and 70's, but this just isnt one of them. There is no doubt that the site is prime one, and its proximity to the Alhambra makes it critical that any development is sympathetic and architecturally appropriate, but I cant see that the current building satisfies either of those requirements. The real damage is being done by allowing it to steadily decay in front of our eyes, and this interminable round of appeals does nothing to help that situation.

sajenkin, Odsal says...
7:44am Tue 13 May 08

Its time to give up on this one. Just because a few people have fond memories of their first kiss on the back row doesnt make the building worth saving. The plain truth is that the building has little or no architectural merit, nor is it a particularly noteable example of its genre, and thats why it isnt listed. I am no supporter of the sweeping away of old buildings, and Bradford has a poor record in this respect. There are some fine buildings that thankfully survived the last blitz in the 60's and 70's, but this just isnt one of them. There is no doubt that the site is prime one, and its proximity to the Alhambra makes it critical that any development is sympathetic and architecturally appropriate, but I cant see that the current building satisfies either of those requirements. The real damage is being done by allowing it to steadily decay in front of our eyes, and this interminable round of appeals does nothing to help that situation.

sajenkin, Odsal says...
7:44am Tue 13 May 08

Its time to give up on this one. Just because a few people have fond memories of their first kiss on the back row doesnt make the building worth saving. The plain truth is that the building has little or no architectural merit, nor is it a particularly noteable example of its genre, and thats why it isnt listed. I am no supporter of the sweeping away of old buildings, and Bradford has a poor record in this respect. There are some fine buildings that thankfully survived the last blitz in the 60's and 70's, but this just isnt one of them. There is no doubt that the site is prime one, and its proximity to the Alhambra makes it critical that any development is sympathetic and architecturally appropriate, but I cant see that the current building satisfies either of those requirements. The real damage is being done by allowing it to steadily decay in front of our eyes, and this interminable round of appeals does nothing to help that situation.

Baht At, says...
8:04am Tue 13 May 08

Trouble is the winning design is the typical **** that could be plonked anywhere as still stick out like a sore thumb.

Baht At, says...
8:04am Tue 13 May 08

Trouble is the winning design is the typical **** that could be plonked anywhere as still stick out like a sore thumb.

Baht At, says...
8:04am Tue 13 May 08

Trouble is the winning design is the typical **** that could be plonked anywhere as still stick out like a sore thumb.

tariq_m, Bradford says...
9:14am Tue 13 May 08

sajenkin wrote:
Its time to give up on this one. Just because a few people have fond memories of their first kiss on the back row doesnt make the building worth saving. The plain truth is that the building has little or no architectural merit, nor is it a particularly noteable example of its genre, and thats why it isnt listed. I am no supporter of the sweeping away of old buildings, and Bradford has a poor record in this respect. There are some fine buildings that thankfully survived the last blitz in the 60's and 70's, but this just isnt one of them. There is no doubt that the site is prime one, and its proximity to the Alhambra makes it critical that any development is sympathetic and architecturally appropriate, but I cant see that the current building satisfies either of those requirements. The real damage is being done by allowing it to steadily decay in front of our eyes, and this interminable round of appeals does nothing to help that situation.
Spot on, lets move on now please.

tariq_m, Bradford says...
9:14am Tue 13 May 08

sajenkin wrote:
Its time to give up on this one. Just because a few people have fond memories of their first kiss on the back row doesnt make the building worth saving. The plain truth is that the building has little or no architectural merit, nor is it a particularly noteable example of its genre, and thats why it isnt listed. I am no supporter of the sweeping away of old buildings, and Bradford has a poor record in this respect. There are some fine buildings that thankfully survived the last blitz in the 60's and 70's, but this just isnt one of them. There is no doubt that the site is prime one, and its proximity to the Alhambra makes it critical that any development is sympathetic and architecturally appropriate, but I cant see that the current building satisfies either of those requirements. The real damage is being done by allowing it to steadily decay in front of our eyes, and this interminable round of appeals does nothing to help that situation.
Spot on, lets move on now please.

tariq_m, Bradford says...
9:14am Tue 13 May 08

sajenkin wrote:
Its time to give up on this one. Just because a few people have fond memories of their first kiss on the back row doesnt make the building worth saving. The plain truth is that the building has little or no architectural merit, nor is it a particularly noteable example of its genre, and thats why it isnt listed. I am no supporter of the sweeping away of old buildings, and Bradford has a poor record in this respect. There are some fine buildings that thankfully survived the last blitz in the 60's and 70's, but this just isnt one of them. There is no doubt that the site is prime one, and its proximity to the Alhambra makes it critical that any development is sympathetic and architecturally appropriate, but I cant see that the current building satisfies either of those requirements. The real damage is being done by allowing it to steadily decay in front of our eyes, and this interminable round of appeals does nothing to help that situation.
Spot on, lets move on now please.

Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
11:20am Tue 13 May 08

No, no, no... this is wonderful news for the supporters of the Odeon. I've seen both appeals and both are pretty strong cases!!!

Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
11:20am Tue 13 May 08

No, no, no... this is wonderful news for the supporters of the Odeon. I've seen both appeals and both are pretty strong cases!!!

Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
11:20am Tue 13 May 08

No, no, no... this is wonderful news for the supporters of the Odeon. I've seen both appeals and both are pretty strong cases!!!

skippy, says...
12:25pm Tue 13 May 08

knock it down,stop wasting time and money.

skippy, says...
12:25pm Tue 13 May 08

knock it down,stop wasting time and money.

skippy, says...
12:25pm Tue 13 May 08

knock it down,stop wasting time and money.

Dan, Bradford says...
1:05pm Tue 13 May 08

Any replacement though will be architecturally inferior, as the trend seems to be these days. The design they have is not particularly distinctive, unlike the Odeon which is far more unique in a city made of sandstone, yet ties in well with the Alhambra and it's towers. Usage wise, the replacement scheme involves distinctly private developments like Offices and Apartments, with a hotel, and only one or two establishments + college facilities, that I don't think are even needed. On the otherhand, BORG's proposal involves a 2,200 (possibly more) restored auditorium, for concerts and other events, a 700 capacity nightclub and a hotel among others. Which do you think could be used by the people of Bradford more? For entertainment and leisure facilities, Bradford is a really poor show and the nightlife is dying on its arse. There's currently 4 to let at the moment. Probably not an easy cycle to turn around, but it won't be solved accepting defeat and the inevitable decline of the city's nightlife. With BORG now delivering a full proposal and a good one, I would think it would be time for BCR and Yorkshire Forward to compromise and find another site for New Victoria Place (may I suggest the car dealership site a few hudred metres up the road). Demolishing a building right now in amongst an economic downturn is a very, very, very, very, very, very stupid idea. I could very easily see a 'Westfield' happening with this one, being left a waste ground, but I wouldn't even see them eventually getting to work with it, not now. Of course all these groups are ridden with corruption and lies and no sense of democracy. Take Jan Fletcher's recent dishonesty, or Andrew Mallinson's comments that 'If I had the keys to a bulldozer it would be down by now.' You might also remember him on Look North, refusing to accept that demolishing the Kirkgate Market was a mistake. He'd no doubt have been the first out with the wrecking ball in that situation too.

Dan, Bradford says...
1:05pm Tue 13 May 08

Any replacement though will be architecturally inferior, as the trend seems to be these days. The design they have is not particularly distinctive, unlike the Odeon which is far more unique in a city made of sandstone, yet ties in well with the Alhambra and it's towers. Usage wise, the replacement scheme involves distinctly private developments like Offices and Apartments, with a hotel, and only one or two establishments + college facilities, that I don't think are even needed. On the otherhand, BORG's proposal involves a 2,200 (possibly more) restored auditorium, for concerts and other events, a 700 capacity nightclub and a hotel among others. Which do you think could be used by the people of Bradford more? For entertainment and leisure facilities, Bradford is a really poor show and the nightlife is dying on its arse. There's currently 4 to let at the moment. Probably not an easy cycle to turn around, but it won't be solved accepting defeat and the inevitable decline of the city's nightlife. With BORG now delivering a full proposal and a good one, I would think it would be time for BCR and Yorkshire Forward to compromise and find another site for New Victoria Place (may I suggest the car dealership site a few hudred metres up the road). Demolishing a building right now in amongst an economic downturn is a very, very, very, very, very, very stupid idea. I could very easily see a 'Westfield' happening with this one, being left a waste ground, but I wouldn't even see them eventually getting to work with it, not now. Of course all these groups are ridden with corruption and lies and no sense of democracy. Take Jan Fletcher's recent dishonesty, or Andrew Mallinson's comments that 'If I had the keys to a bulldozer it would be down by now.' You might also remember him on Look North, refusing to accept that demolishing the Kirkgate Market was a mistake. He'd no doubt have been the first out with the wrecking ball in that situation too.

Dan, Bradford says...
1:05pm Tue 13 May 08

Any replacement though will be architecturally inferior, as the trend seems to be these days. The design they have is not particularly distinctive, unlike the Odeon which is far more unique in a city made of sandstone, yet ties in well with the Alhambra and it's towers. Usage wise, the replacement scheme involves distinctly private developments like Offices and Apartments, with a hotel, and only one or two establishments + college facilities, that I don't think are even needed. On the otherhand, BORG's proposal involves a 2,200 (possibly more) restored auditorium, for concerts and other events, a 700 capacity nightclub and a hotel among others. Which do you think could be used by the people of Bradford more? For entertainment and leisure facilities, Bradford is a really poor show and the nightlife is dying on its arse. There's currently 4 to let at the moment. Probably not an easy cycle to turn around, but it won't be solved accepting defeat and the inevitable decline of the city's nightlife. With BORG now delivering a full proposal and a good one, I would think it would be time for BCR and Yorkshire Forward to compromise and find another site for New Victoria Place (may I suggest the car dealership site a few hudred metres up the road). Demolishing a building right now in amongst an economic downturn is a very, very, very, very, very, very stupid idea. I could very easily see a 'Westfield' happening with this one, being left a waste ground, but I wouldn't even see them eventually getting to work with it, not now. Of course all these groups are ridden with corruption and lies and no sense of democracy. Take Jan Fletcher's recent dishonesty, or Andrew Mallinson's comments that 'If I had the keys to a bulldozer it would be down by now.' You might also remember him on Look North, refusing to accept that demolishing the Kirkgate Market was a mistake. He'd no doubt have been the first out with the wrecking ball in that situation too.

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
3:02pm Tue 13 May 08

This building is awful, just drive in from thornton road and you will see, it looks like and old warehouse, knock it down as it is beyond repair.

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
3:02pm Tue 13 May 08

This building is awful, just drive in from thornton road and you will see, it looks like and old warehouse, knock it down as it is beyond repair.

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
3:02pm Tue 13 May 08

This building is awful, just drive in from thornton road and you will see, it looks like and old warehouse, knock it down as it is beyond repair.

albion, west riding says...
4:12pm Tue 13 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
This building is awful, just drive in from thornton road and you will see, it looks like and old warehouse, knock it down as it is beyond repair.
Is it? when did you become a surveyor?

albion, west riding says...
4:12pm Tue 13 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
This building is awful, just drive in from thornton road and you will see, it looks like and old warehouse, knock it down as it is beyond repair.
Is it? when did you become a surveyor?

albion, west riding says...
4:12pm Tue 13 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
This building is awful, just drive in from thornton road and you will see, it looks like and old warehouse, knock it down as it is beyond repair.
Is it? when did you become a surveyor?

David, Bradford says...
4:28pm Tue 13 May 08

How some people can be so negative is beyond me. I wonder who they are in real life.
To me it is very goodnews to hear the fight to save the New Victoria in the Odeon building is still on.

David, Bradford says...
4:28pm Tue 13 May 08

How some people can be so negative is beyond me. I wonder who they are in real life.
To me it is very goodnews to hear the fight to save the New Victoria in the Odeon building is still on.

David, Bradford says...
4:28pm Tue 13 May 08

How some people can be so negative is beyond me. I wonder who they are in real life.
To me it is very goodnews to hear the fight to save the New Victoria in the Odeon building is still on.

Listing Applicant, Northumberland says...
6:21pm Tue 13 May 08

It may help to understand that the interest in saving the Odeon Building stretch far outside Bradford. The fact that there are two appeals in is absolutely in order for this building to have been given a fair hearing. There are many experts, the movers and shakers in the cinema, theatre and architectural historian world who support the view that the former New Victoria warrants listed status. Consider what the streetscape would be like without it. I would ask all who are interested in this debate to stand outside the National Media Museum and look down Prince's Way towards the Alhambra and the Odeon and imagine then what one would be like without the other. They belong together. Radio Leeds hosted a phone in yesterday on the debate to retain the Odeon building. You can listen to this online. 'Daphne' said it all - Bradford needs something which Leeds has not got and Bradford's currently neglected but proud building could be the epicentre of a cultural sector for Bradford, brought up to speed much as the Alhambra was and something to treasure, enjoy and be proud of. Heritage gives us our sense of belonging which is why so many people feel so strongly about this building. And for the record, many experts agree it does have architectural merit and many other attributes besides!

Listing Applicant, Northumberland says...
6:21pm Tue 13 May 08

It may help to understand that the interest in saving the Odeon Building stretch far outside Bradford. The fact that there are two appeals in is absolutely in order for this building to have been given a fair hearing. There are many experts, the movers and shakers in the cinema, theatre and architectural historian world who support the view that the former New Victoria warrants listed status. Consider what the streetscape would be like without it. I would ask all who are interested in this debate to stand outside the National Media Museum and look down Prince's Way towards the Alhambra and the Odeon and imagine then what one would be like without the other. They belong together. Radio Leeds hosted a phone in yesterday on the debate to retain the Odeon building. You can listen to this online. 'Daphne' said it all - Bradford needs something which Leeds has not got and Bradford's currently neglected but proud building could be the epicentre of a cultural sector for Bradford, brought up to speed much as the Alhambra was and something to treasure, enjoy and be proud of. Heritage gives us our sense of belonging which is why so many people feel so strongly about this building. And for the record, many experts agree it does have architectural merit and many other attributes besides!

Listing Applicant, Northumberland says...
6:21pm Tue 13 May 08

It may help to understand that the interest in saving the Odeon Building stretch far outside Bradford. The fact that there are two appeals in is absolutely in order for this building to have been given a fair hearing. There are many experts, the movers and shakers in the cinema, theatre and architectural historian world who support the view that the former New Victoria warrants listed status. Consider what the streetscape would be like without it. I would ask all who are interested in this debate to stand outside the National Media Museum and look down Prince's Way towards the Alhambra and the Odeon and imagine then what one would be like without the other. They belong together. Radio Leeds hosted a phone in yesterday on the debate to retain the Odeon building. You can listen to this online. 'Daphne' said it all - Bradford needs something which Leeds has not got and Bradford's currently neglected but proud building could be the epicentre of a cultural sector for Bradford, brought up to speed much as the Alhambra was and something to treasure, enjoy and be proud of. Heritage gives us our sense of belonging which is why so many people feel so strongly about this building. And for the record, many experts agree it does have architectural merit and many other attributes besides!

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
7:17pm Tue 13 May 08

Bring on another ugly "modern", ill fitting building to add to the numerous others planned and built. Bradfords coffin adds another nail courtesy of Yorkshire Backwards and BMDC. Too much face would be lost to back down now.

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
7:17pm Tue 13 May 08

Bring on another ugly "modern", ill fitting building to add to the numerous others planned and built. Bradfords coffin adds another nail courtesy of Yorkshire Backwards and BMDC. Too much face would be lost to back down now.

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
7:17pm Tue 13 May 08

Bring on another ugly "modern", ill fitting building to add to the numerous others planned and built. Bradfords coffin adds another nail courtesy of Yorkshire Backwards and BMDC. Too much face would be lost to back down now.

odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:19pm Sat 17 May 08

skippy wrote:
knock it down,stop wasting time and money.
And what money are they wasting?
Anyway, talking about a waste of money, isn't 55 MILLION a waste of money for the building planned that could be built anywhere. 55 millions worth of bland. No one has got anything like the Odeon. Can't you see that it looks an eyesore because yorks. backward want it to look awful. They have neglected it totally.THEY ARE A DISGRACE.

Save the ODEON.

odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:19pm Sat 17 May 08

skippy wrote:
knock it down,stop wasting time and money.
And what money are they wasting?
Anyway, talking about a waste of money, isn't 55 MILLION a waste of money for the building planned that could be built anywhere. 55 millions worth of bland. No one has got anything like the Odeon. Can't you see that it looks an eyesore because yorks. backward want it to look awful. They have neglected it totally.THEY ARE A DISGRACE.

Save the ODEON.

odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:19pm Sat 17 May 08

skippy wrote:
knock it down,stop wasting time and money.
And what money are they wasting?
Anyway, talking about a waste of money, isn't 55 MILLION a waste of money for the building planned that could be built anywhere. 55 millions worth of bland. No one has got anything like the Odeon. Can't you see that it looks an eyesore because yorks. backward want it to look awful. They have neglected it totally.THEY ARE A DISGRACE.

Save the ODEON.

odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:21pm Sat 17 May 08

skippy wrote:
knock it down,stop wasting time and money.
And what money are they wasting?
Anyway, talking about a waste of money, isn't 55 MILLION a waste of money for the building planned that could be built anywhere. 55 millions worth of bland. No one has got anything like the Odeon. Can't you see that it looks an eyesore because yorks. backward want it to look awful. They have neglected it totally.THEY ARE A DISGRACE.

Save the ODEON.

odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:21pm Sat 17 May 08

skippy wrote:
knock it down,stop wasting time and money.
And what money are they wasting?
Anyway, talking about a waste of money, isn't 55 MILLION a waste of money for the building planned that could be built anywhere. 55 millions worth of bland. No one has got anything like the Odeon. Can't you see that it looks an eyesore because yorks. backward want it to look awful. They have neglected it totally.THEY ARE A DISGRACE.

Save the ODEON.

odeon lover 2 Thesequel, bradford says...
11:21pm Sat 17 May 08

skippy wrote:
knock it down,stop wasting time and money.
And what money are they wasting?
Anyway, talking about a waste of money, isn't 55 MILLION a waste of money for the building planned that could be built anywhere. 55 millions worth of bland. No one has got anything like the Odeon. Can't you see that it looks an eyesore because yorks. backward want it to look awful. They have neglected it totally.THEY ARE A DISGRACE.

Save the ODEON.

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