DEVELOPERS behind a multi-million project to turn Bradford’s former Odeon cinema into a music venue have given an update on the building work.

Bradford Live is now expected to be open in autumn 2023, a delay of a year, in a major transformation of the iconic 1930s building.

The site, which has been a cinema and theatre in the past, has been empty for more than two decades but the Bradford Live project will see the building turned into a 3,800-capacity live music venue.

Bradford Live gave an update on the progress of the ambitious project on its Facebook page. The upper balcony floor is now near completion.

The post said: “First view of the nearly complete upper balcony floor. One of the most difficult elements of the build so far now successfully completed. Looking forward to 800 people singing and dancing up here.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: An artist's impression of what the entrance to Bradford Live will look like An artist's impression of what the entrance to Bradford Live will look like (Image: Newsquest)

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.

Opening in 1930 as the New Victoria, the building changed its name to The Gaumont in 1950. For three decades after 1969, the building operated as an Odeon cinema and Top Rank bingo club, before finally closing its doors in 2000.

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