ONE of the key parts of Bradford city centre’s regeneration is likely to be approved by Councillors next week.

Bradford Live plans to convert the vacant Odeon building in the heart of the city into a live music venue, and the scheme will go before a planning committee on Thursday.

Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee will decide two applications related to the development - to refurbish the building to create an entertainment and events venue, and an advertising application to install two digital screens and poster panels on the building.

Both applications have been recommended for approval.

The 1930s building has stood vacant since it shut as a cinema in 2000, and since then there have been efforts to bring the building back to life.

Bradford Live’s plans will see the building become a 3,800 seater venue, along with bars and a restaurant area, with many of its original features restored.

First look at Bradford Live's plans for inside former Odeon

There had been numerous letter of support to the plans, including by the Bradford Civic Society and the Theatres Trust. There had also been one letter of objection, claiming there were not enough disabled facilities proposed for the building.

That objection has led to the scheme being changed slightly. The report says: “Following the objection, a Changing Places facility is now included in the proposed development. There would be 42 wheelchair spaces within the venue. A total of 16 disabled W/Cs are provided in the scheme.

“The provision of disabled facilities is considered acceptable for the scale and type of use.”

Recommending the scheme for approval, the report says: “The building has become neglected and unkempt and being at a key location, results in a poor impression of this part of the City Centre. The proposal would provide the opportunity for the re-use of the building bringing substantive regeneration benefits to the City. The renovation of the building, improving perceptions of the city centre, with the events venue bringing visitors to Bradford.

“This not only adding vibrancy to the night- time offer but also benefitting businesses that would serve the increased number of visitors e.g. restaurants/bars and hotels.”

One of the suggested conditions is that measures are submitted: “To ensure that appropriate hostile vehicle measures are in place to address attempted attacks on the building.”

The digital screens, including a large screen on the Princes Way frontage, will be used for commercial advertising, alongside advertising events at the venue.

The application adds: “There would also be the ability to use the screen to City Park for major events (e.g. Bradford Film Festival, major sporting events).”

Recommending the screens for approval, the report says: “Given the large-scale nature of the building, along with the blank elevations to the building, the proposed screen is considered an appropriate addition to the host building. It would provide interest and animation to the building, reflecting the vibrancy and nature of the proposed events venue.”

The Committee meets in City Hall on Thursday, and the application will be discusses at 11am.