Former Odeon 'a danger to public' says expert survey (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Forseti wrote:
It is a truism that people get the Politician’s they deserve. The people of Bradford must be atoning for some serious former sins to have ended up with the bunch of self serving incompetents we have had for the last 20 years or so. The collective lack of vision, aversion to innovation and sheer ignorance of what is needed in Bradford borders on the criminal. Who will rid us of these wastrels ?

mr-dog wrote:
KNOCK IT DOWN.

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
who is to blame ? The council? yorkshire forward? HCA? or me and you for not doing some thing about it when we had a chance.please help make bradford better not british!

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
lets all get together outside the odeon, on the day they open that silly mirror pool.if it has not been demolished before then.

Cooperlane2 wrote:
new headline:

New Odeon to be demolished, T&A building to be new concert hall.

No conflict of interest here, is there?

jonathancrewdson wrote:
I've no doubt the building is as bad as the report says because its not surprising given the total neglect it has suffered firstly under Yorkshire Forward and now under the HCA. Why didn't Bradford Council as the planning authority carry out its legal duties to direct the owners to maintain the building and keep it safe?

I can see a rapid demolition on the cards and then we will simply have another flattened wasteland on the west side of the City Centre to match the other infamous one on the east side. Yet another example of Bradford's heritage gone forever.

The owners should be prosecuted for allowing the building to get to this state. If I owned a house and let it get into that state I would have had a court summons long ago.

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
lets all get together outside the odeon, on the day they open that silly mirror pool.if it has not been demolished before then.

Northern1 wrote:

Cooperlane2 wrote: new headline: New Odeon to be demolished, T&A building to be new concert hall. No conflict of interest here, is there?

Nail ---- Head

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

AAA.Happy.Man wrote:
When I arrived in Bradford many years ago, much was the wailing and wringing of hands about the loss of something called the 'Swan Arcade' or some such building. Let's all get ready for another session of moaning over the demolition of the magnificent façade and domes of the Odeon. This is the face of Thatcher's Capitalizm - Private Profit. The poorest will pick up the cost of repairing the social, health, environmental, un-employment consequences of the Grab-it-and-Run elements in our society. These asset stripping Spivs are now going to do the same to your NHS - and you are to blame - you knew what you were voting for - and you've got it! Don't try to put the blame onto others. AHM ;-))

ctm wrote:
Knock it down. Now. Please will someone with some sense put "old Bradford" out of its misery, it's time we moved on and started to started looking to the future. If people would stop being so negative and clinging to past which quite frankly was pretty awful, we might actually get somewhere. Once the economy picks up, we will be a developer's dream. They make money by buying low and selling high. Leeds etc have had their day from that perspective and are already looking tired. It's our turn next.

ctm wrote:
Knock it down. Now. Please will someone with some sense put "old Bradford" out of its misery, it's time we moved on and started to started looking to the future. If people would stop being so negative and clinging to past which quite frankly was pretty awful, we might actually get somewhere. Once the economy picks up, we will be a developer's dream. They make money by buying low and selling high. Leeds etc have had their day from that perspective and are already looking tired. It's our turn next.

Joedavid wrote:

ctm wrote: Knock it down. Now. Please will someone with some sense put "old Bradford" out of its misery, it's time we moved on and started to started looking to the future. If people would stop being so negative and clinging to past which quite frankly was pretty awful, we might actually get somewhere. Once the economy picks up, we will be a developer's dream. They make money by buying low and selling high. Leeds etc have had their day from that perspective and are already looking tired. It's our turn next.

OK if knocked down what will you have then? I will tell you another building site looking like the one at Broadway, you not seen the Westfield non-development?

BD16 wrote:

ctm wrote:
Knock it down. Now. Please will someone with some sense put "old Bradford" out of its misery, it's time we moved on and started to started looking to the future. If people would stop being so negative and clinging to past which quite frankly was pretty awful, we might actually get somewhere. Once the economy picks up, we will be a developer's dream. They make money by buying low and selling high. Leeds etc have had their day from that perspective and are already looking tired. It's our turn next.

I'll ask you the same question I keep asking but not getting answered.

What will be built if we knock it down?

I'm not being sentimental here I just want to know: what would we do with the site?

ctm wrote:
I think those who are so keen to "save the Odeon" need to start explaining what they would do with it apart from saving it. The questions about what its replacement would be are essentially the same questions so stop being so naive. We have the same problem with the site whichever way you cut it.

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

_Size3_ wrote:

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

No - you are right....keep it there rotting away. Much better option!!!

BD16 wrote:

_Size3_ wrote:

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

No - you are right....keep it there rotting away. Much better option!!!

Please look at my post of 12:53. I await your alternative suggestions that would better utilise the site with interest.

moanmoanwhingewhinge wrote:

AAA.Happy.Man wrote:
When I arrived in Bradford many years ago, much was the wailing and wringing of hands about the loss of something called the 'Swan Arcade' or some such building. Let's all get ready for another session of moaning over the demolition of the magnificent façade and domes of the Odeon. This is the face of Thatcher's Capitalizm - Private Profit. The poorest will pick up the cost of repairing the social, health, environmental, un-employment consequences of the Grab-it-and-Run elements in our society. These asset stripping Spivs are now going to do the same to your NHS - and you are to blame - you knew what you were voting for - and you've got it! Don't try to put the blame onto others. AHM ;-))

Not EVERYONE votes Tory, a-hole

moanmoanwhingewhinge wrote:

AAA.Happy.Man wrote:
When I arrived in Bradford many years ago, much was the wailing and wringing of hands about the loss of something called the 'Swan Arcade' or some such building. Let's all get ready for another session of moaning over the demolition of the magnificent façade and domes of the Odeon. This is the face of Thatcher's Capitalizm - Private Profit. The poorest will pick up the cost of repairing the social, health, environmental, un-employment consequences of the Grab-it-and-Run elements in our society. These asset stripping Spivs are now going to do the same to your NHS - and you are to blame - you knew what you were voting for - and you've got it! Don't try to put the blame onto others. AHM ;-))

Not EVERYONE votes Tory, a-hole

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
I think the bradford whole on the other side of town should be abandoned,in favour of the odeon be coming a shopping/entertainem ent emporium. keeping all the architecture and period detail inside and out,it would pay for its self in no time.there you go something productive /viable

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
After speaking to the council this morning i am not sure what to think ? they were rude.and unhelpful.asking me questions about who i was,where did i live,whats my number? do we have freedom of speach?I do not think we do, very very scary.I just asked what was happening with the odeon.The lady said she did not know and it was nothing to do with the council? I thought they were working to help people i was so wrong!

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
After speaking to the council this morning i am not sure what to think ? they were rude.and unhelpful.asking me questions about who i was,where did i live,whats my number? do we have freedom of speach?I do not think we do, very very scary.I just asked what was happening with the odeon.The lady said she did not know and it was nothing to do with the council? I thought they were working to help people i was so wrong!

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
All the builders in bradford and surrounding areas could get together,and offer there time to do it up free if the owners paid to have the asbestos removing.I would happly offer my time it would be well worth it!

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
After speaking to the council this morning i am not sure what to think ? they were rude.and unhelpful.asking me questions about who i was,where did i live,whats my number? do we have freedom of speach?I do not think we do, very very scary.I just asked what was happening with the odeon.The lady said she did not know and it was nothing to do with the council? I thought they were working to help people i was so wrong!

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:
After speaking to the council this morning i am not sure what to think ? they were rude.and unhelpful.asking me questions about who i was,where did i live,whats my number? do we have freedom of speach?I do not think we do, very very scary.I just asked what was happening with the odeon.The lady said she did not know and it was nothing to do with the council? I thought they were working to help people i was so wrong!

Babbsy wrote:
Why this building continues to prove so immotive I really have no idea. It's a red brick monstrosity on the whole, and completely out of keeping with our proud stone City. It should never have been allowed to be built in the first place. The best plans I saw were from years ago to turn it into some sort of leisure arcade with bars and a hotel etc, glass fronted, and just retaining the domes on top (The only thing worth keeping) that fell by the way side because this absolutely insane group put the mockers on as far as I can remember. I'm not a fan of this inept council by any means, but to me it seems that every time they've proposed something this delusional group, who I can only think originate from South Leeds, given their love for red brick, seem to block it or go on a wall hugging session. Get it down and replace it with something befitting of the architecture of the City Centre.

Avro wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr

adford wrote:
I think the bradford whole on the other side of town should be abandoned,in favour of the odeon be coming a shopping/entertainem ent emporium. keeping all the architecture and period detail inside and out,it would pay for its self in no time.there you go something productive /viable

Ridiculous, is it any wonder the Council take litle notice?!

Avro wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr

adford wrote:
I think the bradford whole on the other side of town should be abandoned,in favour of the odeon be coming a shopping/entertainem ent emporium. keeping all the architecture and period detail inside and out,it would pay for its self in no time.there you go something productive /viable

Ridiculous, is it any wonder the Council take litle notice?!

Tell_Titus wrote:

BD16 wrote:

_Size3_ wrote:

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

No - you are right....keep it there rotting away. Much better option!!!

Please look at my post of 12:53. I await your alternative suggestions that would better utilise the site with interest.

An O2 academy would be ideal to hold gigs. Bring the punters back to Bradford.

Andy2010 wrote:

Tell_Titus wrote:

BD16 wrote:

_Size3_ wrote:

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

No - you are right....keep it there rotting away. Much better option!!!

Please look at my post of 12:53. I await your alternative suggestions that would better utilise the site with interest.

An O2 academy would be ideal to hold gigs. Bring the punters back to Bradford.

Funny you should say that as I used to work at O2 and they had a meeting with Bradford council about 4 year ago with a view of actually opening an academy at the Odeon as it was felt the Leeds one being small it could have complimented it. Even with cash on the table I understood it was simply rejected straight off which is a shame. It would appear the council have had plans to demolish this building for years now

Avro wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr

adford wrote:
I think the bradford whole on the other side of town should be abandoned,in favour of the odeon be coming a shopping/entertainem ent emporium. keeping all the architecture and period detail inside and out,it would pay for its self in no time.there you go something productive /viable

Ridiculous, is it any wonder the Council take litle notice?!

Andy2010 wrote:

Tell_Titus wrote:

BD16 wrote:

_Size3_ wrote:

BD16 wrote:

mr-dog wrote: KNOCK IT DOWN.

And build what? Empty offices? Flats nobody wants?

No - you are right....keep it there rotting away. Much better option!!!

Please look at my post of 12:53. I await your alternative suggestions that would better utilise the site with interest.

An O2 academy would be ideal to hold gigs. Bring the punters back to Bradford.

Funny you should say that as I used to work at O2 and they had a meeting with Bradford council about 4 year ago with a view of actually opening an academy at the Odeon as it was felt the Leeds one being small it could have complimented it. Even with cash on the table I understood it was simply rejected straight off which is a shame. It would appear the council have had plans to demolish this building for years now

eebygum wrote:
Alas it's too late now but my plan would be to make the Odeon like the Alhambra with a glass front and move the media and Film museum in there. It would complement the Alhambra would not dwarf it like the proposed development. It would look great across the mirror lake especially at night all lit up like the Alhambra. What better way to get Bradford on the Map?

SteveW56 wrote:
As a building within the City Centre Conservation area it should be treated as a Listed Building, or if a Listed Building itself the owners have a repairing liability which can be legally enforced by the Local Authority. Anyone buying such a building inherits that repairing liability and therefore the HCA may have a legal duty to repair the building. I would love to see Bradford Council enforce that one! Personally I would like to see the whole thing demolished and Bradford rid of an embarrassing eyesore!

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:

eebygum wrote: Alas it's too late now but my plan would be to make the Odeon like the Alhambra with a glass front and move the media and Film museum in there. It would complement the Alhambra would not dwarf it like the proposed development. It would look great across the mirror lake especially at night all lit up like the Alhambra. What better way to get Bradford on the Map?

that was one of my many ideas i wish this could happen it seems to make sense.

moanmoanwhingewhinge wrote:

AAA.Happy.Man wrote:
When I arrived in Bradford many years ago, much was the wailing and wringing of hands about the loss of something called the 'Swan Arcade' or some such building. Let's all get ready for another session of moaning over the demolition of the magnificent façade and domes of the Odeon. This is the face of Thatcher's Capitalizm - Private Profit. The poorest will pick up the cost of repairing the social, health, environmental, un-employment consequences of the Grab-it-and-Run elements in our society. These asset stripping Spivs are now going to do the same to your NHS - and you are to blame - you knew what you were voting for - and you've got it! Don't try to put the blame onto others. AHM ;-))

Not EVERYONE votes Tory, a-hole

Joedavid wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr

adford wrote:
who is to blame ? The council? yorkshire forward? HCA? or me and you for not doing some thing about it when we had a chance.please help make bradford better not british!

You miss out the T&A for not leading a public campaign to save and restore the building back to its 1930 glory.

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:

Avro wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr


adford wrote:
I think the bradford whole on the other side of town should be abandoned,in favour of the odeon be coming a shopping/entertainem ent emporium. keeping all the architecture and period detail inside and out,it would pay for its self in no time.there you go something productive /viable

Ridiculous, is it any wonder the Council take litle notice?!

I am sorry you find me and my ideas ridicolous.My spelling is not to good either as i am dyslexic,so i am sorry for my short comings,but i am passionate about things i care about.my parents met there 50 years ago ,then adopted me and my sister.Its there golden wedding anniversary this year and they of ill health.I would not like them to see it demolished all those memories it is sad!

_Size3_ wrote:
Don't spend money repairing it....pull the bloody thing down!!

idleone wrote:

Joedavid wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr


adford wrote:
who is to blame ? The council? yorkshire forward? HCA? or me and you for not doing some thing about it when we had a chance.please help make bradford better not british!

You miss out the T&A for not leading a public campaign to save and restore the building back to its 1930 glory.

Joedavid. The T&A won't lead a campaign as they want st George's hall to be extended and use the T&A building adjoining it so getting lots of money from the council. those at the helm at the T&A have a plan and that is why they have been low key in the whole odeon fiasco and NEVER backed it. I have this on good authaurity from a T&A insider. All corrupt. The T&A don't care about our city it's a faceless fish wrapper more concerned with the wider financial gain than championing our city.

It will all be made public one day, I'm very sure of that ! Pennington, Littlewood and cronies are suspiciously quiet which makes me think there's a huge conspiracy going on.

BfdTed wrote:
I have just read this thread and at first I got a bit fired up about the Odeon but then thought... how many of you actually go into Bradford anymore. I know I don't! Can't remember the last time I went in. I stopped going years ago for obvious reasons.... So, unfortunately, I don't really give a sh*t about it. Bradford is now and will always continue to be a dump!

BfdTed wrote:
I have just read this thread and at first I got a bit fired up about the Odeon but then thought... how many of you actually go into Bradford anymore. I know I don't! Can't remember the last time I went in. I stopped going years ago for obvious reasons.... So, unfortunately, I don't really give a sh*t about it. Bradford is now and will always continue to be a dump!

picknick wrote:

idleone wrote:

Joedavid wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr



adford wrote:
who is to blame ? The council? yorkshire forward? HCA? or me and you for not doing some thing about it when we had a chance.please help make bradford better not british!

You miss out the T&A for not leading a public campaign to save and restore the building back to its 1930 glory.

Joedavid. The T&A won't lead a campaign as they want st George's hall to be extended and use the T&A building adjoining it so getting lots of money from the council. those at the helm at the T&A have a plan and that is why they have been low key in the whole odeon fiasco and NEVER backed it. I have this on good authaurity from a T&A insider. All corrupt. The T&A don't care about our city it's a faceless fish wrapper more concerned with the wider financial gain than championing our city.

It will all be made public one day, I'm very sure of that ! Pennington, Littlewood and cronies are suspiciously quiet which makes me think there's a huge conspiracy going on.

idleone I have heard the real reason they will not back a campaign from a really great source too. I cant mention them on here. There is a conspiracy the land at the back of the
Odeon has been bought by the T&A and is to be used for their new T&A offices and new print works as theirs is now as dilapidated as the Odeon its self. Its an absolute disgrace.

idleone wrote:

picknick wrote:

idleone wrote:

Joedavid wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr




adford wrote:
who is to blame ? The council? yorkshire forward? HCA? or me and you for not doing some thing about it when we had a chance.please help make bradford better not british!

You miss out the T&A for not leading a public campaign to save and restore the building back to its 1930 glory.

Joedavid. The T&A won't lead a campaign as they want st George's hall to be extended and use the T&A building adjoining it so getting lots of money from the council. those at the helm at the T&A have a plan and that is why they have been low key in the whole odeon fiasco and NEVER backed it. I have this on good authaurity from a T&A insider. All corrupt. The T&A don't care about our city it's a faceless fish wrapper more concerned with the wider financial gain than championing our city.

It will all be made public one day, I'm very sure of that ! Pennington, Littlewood and cronies are suspiciously quiet which makes me think there's a huge conspiracy going on.

idleone I have heard the real reason they will not back a campaign from a really great source too. I cant mention them on here. There is a conspiracy the land at the back of the
Odeon has been bought by the T&A and is to be used for their new T&A offices and new print works as theirs is now as dilapidated as the Odeon its self. Its an absolute disgrace.

Yep heard similar. Perry....... Want to elaborate? Think a demo at the mirror pool launch is a very good idea. Facebook group needed me thinks! ;-)

wilko1 wrote:
it all makes me laugh a little that so much sentiment has been attached to a building less than 90 years old. it makes me wonder if this much attachment will affect some of the newer buildings we now have in the city that are making it more appealing to the few visitors we have to the city. i remember going to see the last show at the odeon (chicken run) but do you see me weeping at the fact that this, quite frankly, out of place building could possibly be knocked down. i agree it has some great old plaster stuff in side and some lovely stained glass windows and if it was made out of good yorkshire stone i might be a bit more inclined to support the save the odeon people but its not so you can knock it down for me and if nothing else green space it and show of the traditional stone built buildings behind it, ive said my piece i will shut up

angry bradfordian wrote:
This is another example of the public sector getting away with murder, without any fear of accountability.
If assets are transferred in he private sector, the new owner is still liable for anything that's previously happened. Whereas it's just 'frustrating' in this case. Councillor Green- you are a disgrace to this city.

Scargutt2 wrote:
Looking at the evidence, it seems obvious that keeping old heritage buildings eventually makes a city look a lot nicer and attracts a lot more visitors and interest than by pulling old buildings down and replacing them with whatever is in fashion at the time.

Do you think York Council fail to maintain its historic builings? Or propose knocking them down to be replaced with glass fronted offices?

Do you think Milton Keynes and Telford have a thriving tourism industry?

The people of Bradford are great, the buildings are great, the surrounding area is great.

The council is not. In fact it's obvious there is something seriously wrong with it. Whether it is incompetence, corruption or whatever, I hope they are stopped from causing any more damage to the City they are supposed to be custodians over.

AAA.Happy.Man wrote:
When I arrived in Bradford many years ago, much was the wailing and wringing of hands about the loss of something called the 'Swan Arcade' or some such building.
Let's all get ready for another session of moaning over the demolition of the magnificent façade and domes of the Odeon.
This is the face of Thatcher's Capitalizm - Private Profit.
The poorest will pick up the cost of repairing the social, health, environmental, un-employment consequences of the Grab-it-and-Run elements in our society.
These asset stripping Spivs are now going to do the same to your NHS - and you are to blame - you knew what you were voting for - and you've got it!
Don't try to put the blame onto others.
AHM ;-))

bobby98007 wrote:
Am i missing something here?

The people who are complaining about public money being spent ("wasted") on the mirror pool are the ones claiming the Odeon should be restored to its former glory, with tax payers money, for no commercial use?

For those who are saying the building looks beautiful, you are looking at it through rose tinted specticles. The building is an eyesore and represents Bradfords current status perfectly. Its a mess.

Bradford WAS a great industrial area, we HAD great buildings and industry. Times have changed, but we havent. If we want to start competing with other cities, we need to start modernising, and letting go of that building is part of it.

angry bradfordian wrote:

bobby98007 wrote:
Am i missing something here?

The people who are complaining about public money being spent ("wasted") on the mirror pool are the ones claiming the Odeon should be restored to its former glory, with tax payers money, for no commercial use?

For those who are saying the building looks beautiful, you are looking at it through rose tinted specticles. The building is an eyesore and represents Bradfords current status perfectly. Its a mess.

Bradford WAS a great industrial area, we HAD great buildings and industry. Times have changed, but we havent. If we want to start competing with other cities, we need to start modernising, and letting go of that building is part of it.

I'm one of the people who has suggested that public money has be wasted on the pond and could have been spent on the Odeon instead. However this opinion of 'waste' is based on me not believing that the pond will bring any additional visitors into the city whereas a concert venue would bring new people spending money into the area.

You may think that the building is an eyesore, I think it would compliment the Alhambra if it was restored. Both points of views are just architectural opinions and neither of us are necessarily correct.

We aren't going to compete with other cities by building an identikit glass office block. As somebody else has said- how many visitors does Milton Keynes get?

johnhem wrote:
bobby, have you ever been to inner london? they very rarely pull down the old buildings. there are loads with very modern, open plan if wanted, offices inside the old buildings. they respect the old buildings, like we have with little germany, old buildings with modern interiors. we still have some great buildings, the alhambra is one and the odeon compliments the alhambra better than any rebuild we have seen countless artists impressions for. for those that can't see the way they go together i suggest you don't look at it through sunglasses on a dark night and go up to the carpark at the film museum and take a look during the day. i was never a fan of the glass cop shop, but it did reflect the alhambra perfectly and a sight better then any mirror pool that will reflect b all when the fountains are on.
i agree a protest on the opening of the park in favour of the odeon is a good idea, just so the council get a poke in the eye to show how bradford people feel about them and their ideas. (if you can count all those advisors and consultants they hire as the councils ideas). bfd council you are not fit for purpose, and as for councillor green saying "its frustrating the owners did'nt carry out repairs" where you lot? you have the powers to enforce it, even do it yourself and bill them if they did'nt comply, so look to yourselves not others.

bobby98007 wrote:
Am i missing something here? The people who are complaining about public money being spent ("wasted") on the mirror pool are the ones claiming the Odeon should be restored to its former glory, with tax payers money, for no commercial use? For those who are saying the building looks beautiful, you are looking at it through rose tinted specticles. The building is an eyesore and represents Bradfords current status perfectly. Its a mess. Bradford WAS a great industrial area, we HAD great buildings and industry. Times have changed, but we havent. If we want to start competing with other cities, we need to start modernising, and letting go of that building is part of it.

BD16 wrote:

bobby98007 wrote:
Am i missing something here? The people who are complaining about public money being spent ("wasted") on the mirror pool are the ones claiming the Odeon should be restored to its former glory, with tax payers money, for no commercial use? For those who are saying the building looks beautiful, you are looking at it through rose tinted specticles. The building is an eyesore and represents Bradfords current status perfectly. Its a mess. Bradford WAS a great industrial area, we HAD great buildings and industry. Times have changed, but we havent. If we want to start competing with other cities, we need to start modernising, and letting go of that building is part of it.

I think you are missing something. Many of us, including me, would like to see the Odeon become a concert, conference, exhibition venue. This would attract visitors from outside into Bradford to spend money. You won't get that from empty offices or flats. The site is a prime plot in the city centre, use it too its best advantage, something that will generate the highest revenue and the highest number of jobs.

I'm not being sentimental about the past, i'm looking to the future.

bobby98007 wrote:

BD16 wrote:

bobby98007 wrote: Am i missing something here? The people who are complaining about public money being spent ("wasted") on the mirror pool are the ones claiming the Odeon should be restored to its former glory, with tax payers money, for no commercial use? For those who are saying the building looks beautiful, you are looking at it through rose tinted specticles. The building is an eyesore and represents Bradfords current status perfectly. Its a mess. Bradford WAS a great industrial area, we HAD great buildings and industry. Times have changed, but we havent. If we want to start competing with other cities, we need to start modernising, and letting go of that building is part of it.

I think you are missing something. Many of us, including me, would like to see the Odeon become a concert, conference, exhibition venue. This would attract visitors from outside into Bradford to spend money. You won't get that from empty offices or flats. The site is a prime plot in the city centre, use it too its best advantage, something that will generate the highest revenue and the highest number of jobs. I'm not being sentimental about the past, i'm looking to the future.

This is something people have shoe-horned a purpose that the Odeon building could perform, without knowing if the demand is there. To be honest i cannot see it, with the Leeds o2 and the new Leeds Arena being built. I cant see it attracting top names and the demand in Bradford alone wont be enough. Also how much is it going to cost to restore the Odeon? Is it viable to pay that money and still run the business at a profit. Im willing to be proved wrong, i just cant see it. PS. If were turning anywhere into a concert venue, it should have been Odsal stadium, but thats not possible now.

Aphid P Critchley wrote:
And yet there is absolutely no accountability for the people who let it get in this state in the first place? Why have we let it get to this stage? It was obvious that this is what the likes of Maud Marshall wanted all along - leave it to rack and ruin and then claim it had to be demolished. And for what, a non-descript identikit building in its place that will probably be up for 30 years max. A badly missed opportunity to utilise a building which perfectly compliments the Alhambra.

bradford rose wrote:
If there is to be a protest I hope it won't just end there with everyone going home and forgetting about it until the bulldozers move in.
A facebook campaign is fine but a lot of older people like myself aren't on Facebook and have no wish to sign up to it. The mirrorpool launch is the ideal opportunity to get maximum publicity for a new campaign; the local t.v. and radio stations will be there so make the most of it. Make sure you get to speak to them Save the Odeon, and if you have posters/leaflets printed I would be glad to help in handing them out.

TirNaNog wrote:
As a matter of interest could the 'Save the Odeon' crowd tell us what exactly it would be used for if it is saved given there's a theatre next door and a concert hall 300 yards away that can't attract any decent acts?

TirNaNog wrote:
As a matter of interest could the 'Save the Odeon' crowd tell us what exactly it would be used for if it is saved given there's a theatre next door and a concert hall 300 yards away that can't attract any decent acts?

savetheodeoncinemabr
adford wrote:

bradford rose wrote: If there is to be a protest I hope it won't just end there with everyone going home and forgetting about it until the bulldozers move in. A facebook campaign is fine but a lot of older people like myself aren't on Facebook and have no wish to sign up to it. The mirrorpool launch is the ideal opportunity to get maximum publicity for a new campaign; the local t.v. and radio stations will be there so make the most of it. Make sure you get to speak to them Save the Odeon, and if you have posters/leaflets printed I would be glad to help in handing them out.

oh thank you that;s very kind i will be down there dressed in my 1940s splendour with my posh hat waving a flag even if i am on my own !filming it all to put on youtube to get max exposure .

bradford rose wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr

adford wrote:

bradford rose wrote: If there is to be a protest I hope it won't just end there with everyone going home and forgetting about it until the bulldozers move in. A facebook campaign is fine but a lot of older people like myself aren't on Facebook and have no wish to sign up to it. The mirrorpool launch is the ideal opportunity to get maximum publicity for a new campaign; the local t.v. and radio stations will be there so make the most of it. Make sure you get to speak to them Save the Odeon, and if you have posters/leaflets printed I would be glad to help in handing them out.

oh thank you that;s very kind i will be down there dressed in my 1940s splendour with my posh hat waving a flag even if i am on my own !filming it all to put on youtube to get max exposure .

Glad to help in any way I can.
I think there will be a good turnout. I really hope so anyway.

Scargutt2 wrote:

bradford rose wrote:

savetheodeoncinemabr adford wrote:

bradford rose wrote: If there is to be a protest I hope it won't just end there with everyone going home and forgetting about it until the bulldozers move in. A facebook campaign is fine but a lot of older people like myself aren't on Facebook and have no wish to sign up to it. The mirrorpool launch is the ideal opportunity to get maximum publicity for a new campaign; the local t.v. and radio stations will be there so make the most of it. Make sure you get to speak to them Save the Odeon, and if you have posters/leaflets printed I would be glad to help in handing them out.

oh thank you that;s very kind i will be down there dressed in my 1940s splendour with my posh hat waving a flag even if i am on my own !filming it all to put on youtube to get max exposure .

Glad to help in any way I can. I think there will be a good turnout. I really hope so anyway.

There's also a Bradford City home game on the 24th. Lots of people already coming in to town might be persuaded to come early perhaps?

Scargutt2 wrote:

TirNaNog wrote:
As a matter of interest could the 'Save the Odeon' crowd tell us what exactly it would be used for if it is saved given there's a theatre next door and a concert hall 300 yards away that can't attract any decent acts?

The Alhambra gets fantastic acts - I used to travel there on school trips from York.

St. Georges Hall also gets all the top comedians - far better than any of Leeds' venues.

The National Media Museum is renowned for excellent Imax theatre and as a museum.

Bradford was named as UNESCO's City of Film, meaning we could probably afford to have a decent cinema or two!

TirNaNog wrote:

Scargutt2 wrote:

TirNaNog wrote:
As a matter of interest could the 'Save the Odeon' crowd tell us what exactly it would be used for if it is saved given there's a theatre next door and a concert hall 300 yards away that can't attract any decent acts?

The Alhambra gets fantastic acts - I used to travel there on school trips from York.

St. Georges Hall also gets all the top comedians - far better than any of Leeds' venues.

The National Media Museum is renowned for excellent Imax theatre and as a museum.

Bradford was named as UNESCO's City of Film, meaning we could probably afford to have a decent cinema or two!

Are you sure? Crissy Rock? Really? A pub 'turn' at best!
I'll grant you Al Murray,Jimmy Carr and Stewart Francis are good acts but the City Varieties alone has Stewart Francis, Jack Dee, Barry Cryer, John Bishop and Rich Hall. The Alhambra does get some good shows but so does the Grand and the Playhouse.
Musically the choice is embarrassing. Leo Sayer, The Proclaimers, The Osmonds...all decent acts in their time but hardly going to attract a new audience. As for the 'Psychics' and 'Mediums' I think SGH should be ashamed they facilitate the scamming of the grief-stricken and the hapless!