THE owners of a new classic rock bar feel there’s no better time to turn Bradford into the Paradise City of live music.

Nightrain, inspired by the Guns N’ Roses anthem, is the brain child of rock fans Chris Dove, Andy Kettle and Keith Tempest.

The trio decided to open their own music space after finding it increasingly difficult to find rock gigs nearby.

The directors picked up the keys to the former site of the Arena sports bar and Yates unit in December.

The space, which takes up most of the length of Queensgate, had been left in a sorry state after being used by squatters and was littered with used needles.

Five months later the building has been transformed into a state-of-the-art music venue with a bar and games room.

And Andy Kettle feels now is the perfect time for new businesses to invest.

He said: “It’s diverse. I think it’s got a lot to offer now. That’s why we took the opportunity over 12 months ago to invest in this bar.

“We are looking to get the people of Bradford into the bar during the day and try and build on the offering there. We are looking as we establish ourselves to get bigger and bigger acts.”

The venue is set to host top bands from across the globe including The Guns N Roses Experience, Hi-On Maiden, CODA - a tribute to Led Zeppelin and The Quireboys.

It 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.

Mr Kettle said: “Even doing the refurb we were busy getting the bands booked.”

The venue will be open throughout the day as a bar offering Sky Sports and a games room where people can play pool and darts.

Keith 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.”

The business is being supported by Bradford Council, which has provided a grant and business rates rebates as well as partnering up with Carlsberg.

Under Bradford Council’s City Centre Growth Scheme, Nightrain will receive a capital grant of £45,000 and a business rates rebate of £26,000.

Mr Kettle said: “Without the support of the council and our partnership with Carlsberg we would not have been able to do what we’ve done. The financial support has really helped us.”