BRADFORD’S live music scene could soon by flyin’ like an aeroplane when a new live music venue and bar opens in the city centre.

Work is currently underway to turn the large former Yates unit on Queensgate into a hard rock venue that will host bands as well as being the latest addition to the city’s growing rock scene.

It will be called Nightrain, named after the Guns n’ Roses classic, and among its first acts will be UK rockers The Quireboys.

The venue, which takes up most of the length of Queensgate, has been empty for several years since the Arena sports bar closed.

The business is being supported by Bradford Council, which has provided a grant and business rates rebates.

Nightrain will be run by Chris Dove, Andy Kettle and Keith Tempest, who feel the venue will be an important addition to the city and fill the need of the city’s loyal rock fans.

It is due to open on May 17, and will have a capacity of 400 - placing it between the smaller venues in the city like The Underground and larger venues such as St George’s Hall. As well as hosting concerts in the evenings, the venue will open through the day as a bar, which will also feature a games room where people will be able to play pool and darts.

When the trio took on the unit they opened it up to find the building had been used by squatters and was littered with used needles. Now they are well on their way to completely transform the venue - including the creation of a large stage area.

New spot in Bradford as Rabbit Hole Bar & Club opens its doors

Mr Tempest said: “We’re hoping to bring a bit of positivity back to Bradford. It is bringing something a little bit different. We’re doing this because of our love of music, it is about letting people know rock is coming back. It is important we get people in and keep them in, if they don’t, then they move elsewhere.”

Mr Dove said: “We’re trying to work with other bars and there isn’t any negativity, they realise it’s all about bringing more people to Bradford.”

The Quireboys, who play on July 5, are a hard rock band that have tasted chart success, with their second album A Bit of What You Fancy reaching No. 2 on the UK charts in 1990.

A number of tribute acts and local bands have also been booked for the early days of the venue.

And plans are in place to run after show parties for other gigs in the city at the venue.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport on Bradford Council, said: “Under our City Centre Growth Scheme, Nightrain will receive a capital grant of £45,000 and a business rates rebate of £26,000.

“Since the sports bar closed in early 2015, the site has become an eye-sore plagued and has attracted anti-social behaviour.

“Nightrain will add to Bradford’s leisure and hospitality offer, complementing other Growth Zone funded business in the Ivegate, Queensgate and Westgate area. Similar businesses to receive support include Sunbridge Wells, Bar 39, the Brick Box Rooms, Exchange Craft Beer and Rabbit Hole.

“A significant amount of the refurbishment total cost has been raised by the directors.”