Save Odeon's millionaire cash backer pulls out

6:30am Thursday 27th August 2009

Exclusive By Marc Meneaud

A Bradford businessman who was the major backer of a campaign group’s bid to save the former Odeon cinema has withdrawn a pledge for millions in funding for the scheme, the Telegraph & Argus can reveal.

Instead, businessman Nirmal Singh, is “wholeheartedly” supporting the £40 million New Victoria Place proposals put forward by architects Langtree Artisan and Yorkshire Forward, the owners of the decaying former cinema.

In a letter to the T&A, Mr Singh said: “After approaches from distinguished members of the business community and in the interests of speedy regeneration for the city, I have decided to withdraw all my interest in the Odeon site.

“I have considered the plans for the New Victoria Place and believe that these plans will also bring excellent opportunities to the city. I now wholeheartedly support the proposals of Langtree Artisan.

“It is my intention to see the regeneration of Bradford and not hinder it in any way. I wish to work with Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward and other regeneration bodies for the common benefit.”

Mr Singh said that he had hoped to generate £15 million in investment from outside the city but has now withdrawn all resources from the Odeon site for “other business projects” in Bradford.

Campaigners from Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (BORG) expressed “surprise and disappointment” at Mr Singh’s decision but vowed to press ahead with their alternative scheme.

Their scheme includes a 2,200-seat auditorium, ballroom, conference facilities, a three-star hotel, a nightclub and parking.

Mike Bottomley, a BORG spokesman, said: “This doesn’t distract from the fact we stand by what we are aiming to do.

“Mr Singh was putting the largest stake in but we do have other backers. At the moment we have interest from a night club operator, someone who is prepared to work with us on car parking, interest in a boutique hotel and someone interested in a restaurant concession.”

The site is owned by Yorkshire Forward and BORG’s scheme could only go ahead if it agreed to sell them the site. Mr Singh had offered to pay £3 million for the site on BORG’s behalf.

His withdrawal is the latest setback for BORG, which has six times unsuccessfully applied for listed building status for the Odeon.

Mr Bottomley said: “We have faced an uphill struggle all the way with this but, be assured, we are not going to go away.”

Langtree Artisan submitted a fourth revised planning application for the New Victoria Place scheme in July, which will be decided by Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee next month.

The application, which is backed by English Heritage, includes offices, a 120-bedroom hotel, a restaurant, cafes and car parking.

Simon Peters, of Langtree Artisan, said: “We welcome Mr Singh’s support and are encouraged by his comments.

“New Victoria Place is a vibrant and ambitious landmark scheme which will deliver high-quality offices and jobs.

“It will bring a positive contribution to Bradford’s economy to stand alongside the Alhambra and City Park.”

Bradford Council executive member Anne Hawkesworth described Mr Singh’s latest decision as “an interesting turn-around” but added: “As we have said all along, this is not the Council’s building and this is not the Council’s planning application. The decision is entirely up to the Regulatory and Appeals Committee.”