A new community-led organisation was launched earlier today with the aim of taking on Bradford’s Odeon building, restoring it, and turning it into a music and cultural venue.

Bradford One received the backing of comedian, television presenter and chairman of Civic Voice Griff Rhys Jones, who visited the city to support the launch. He urged those behind the group to “stick with it” but reminded them they had a long hard slog ahead.

The organisation is being set up to give the people of Bradford the opportunity to secure the future of the building by becoming a member and having a direct say in their final plans, which are expected to be submitted to Bradford Council for consideration in a matter of months.

It aims to provide a “vehicle for taking the building into community ownership” with the ultimate goal of developing a sustainable plan for the building, while tapping in to available grants to allow a feasibility study to be undertaken.