A KEIGHLEY company has been appointed as the contractor for the remainder of the work to turn the former Odeon building into a live music venue.

RN Wooler & Co Ltd has been awarded the contract for the works, which are expected to last around 18 months.

Referring to the latest step in the long process to transform the city centre building, the man behind Bradford Live said: “We’ve come a long way but this is the final stretch.”

The former cinema and theatre has been empty for over two decades, and its future has been a major talking point in the city for the past 20 years.

The Bradford Live project will see the building turned into a 4,000 live music venue - due to open in Autumn 2022.

It will be run by the NEC Group, who announced the awarding of the contract yesterday.

The NEC Group said Bradford Live would create 50 full time equivalent positions at the venue upon completion of the redevelopment, and that the appointment will add a further 60 temporary construction jobs to the roster.

GALLERY: New images show how inside of former Odeon will be transformed into Bradford Live

Although internal works have been ongoing for months, the main work by RN Wooler is due to begin in Spring.

The announcement said: “Five apprenticeship roles will also be created by RN Wooler during the construction phase. Working closely with Leeds College of Building and Bradford College to offer the apprenticeships to 16 to 18-year-old students, the Bradford Live project will provide practical, workplace opportunities for those studying construction, skills and trades.

“In addition, efforts will focus on a strong supply chain of both suppliers and subcontractors from the Bradford District and Leeds City Region. RN Wooler will be looking to Leeds and Bradford-based suppliers in the first instance when ordering materials to support the project’s sustainability drive.”

Lee Craven of Bradford Live told the Telegraph & Argus that work was expected to start on the main contract works in a matter of weeks. He added that it was an 18 month contract with an expected competition date of October next year, ready for the planned autumn 2022 opening.

He said: “Once the contract starts, there’s no stopping until we hand over the keys to the NEC. It’s a big lap, but it’s the last lap for us. We’ve come a long way but this is the final stretch.”

Bradford Live has a long-term lease from the building owner, Bradford Council, and has an agreement in place to sublease it to the NEC Group as operator in what is a 30-year deal.

Mr Craven added: "“These are exciting times for the Bradford Live project and we are proud to have RN Wooler & Co as part of the team. We want Bradford Live to become part of the community and help drive the Bradford economy. It will be a fantastic venue, delivering 270,000 visitors a year to the city and support not only those involved with the project, but up to 500 FTE indirectly across the region.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw at Bradford Council said: “We are very pleased that this highly skilled local supplier has been awarded this important contract.

“The transformation of Bradford’s iconic former Odeon cinema into a world-class live entertainment and events venue will bring major benefits to Bradford city centre and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

“Bradford Live is part of a broader commitment we have to supporting the arts and the economic development of the district. The contract will employ 65 people including five new apprenticeships giving the local economy a welcome boost.

“We are immensely proud that local people will play such a critical role in developing this iconic facility which will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

Director of RN Wooler & Co Ltd, Gareth Wooler, added: “We are particularly honoured and proud to have been awarded the contract for this exciting and prestigious project.

"As a family owned, Yorkshire company employing local people, the opportunity to create employment and further strengthen our ties to the community is a fantastic achievement and is testament to the hard work and continuing efforts of our colleagues.”

The company has also been awarded the contract to develop the new Coroner's Court in Little Germany.

Head of NEC Group Venue Partnerships, Dan Boulger, concluded: “The job opportunities, economic impact and legacy benefits that this project creates will serve the local community for generations and continues to have the full backing of the NEC Group. We very much look forward to seeing RN Wooler & Co bring the visions for this extraordinary building to life.”