BOSSES of a company that is spearheading the transformation of the iconic Odeon building in Bradford have spoken about some of the "numerous obstacles" encountered during the project.
Construction firm RN Wooler was awarded the contract in early 2021 to convert the former cinema into a live events venue.
The Keighley business was chosen to head up work on the prestigious Bradford Live scheme after an extensive procurement process.
Subsequently, several apprentices plus up to 60 temporary workers have been taken on for the work.
The scheme has been hit by several delays due to the discovery of unforeseen issues.
Flooring on the balconies and foyers was degraded too much to be saved and had to be ripped up entirely and replaced.
Small amounts of asbestos were discovered.
And there were added challenges after a fire broke out in the roof space below the dome of the south turret.
But company director Gareth Wooler says that although there's still considerable work to be carried out, "the finishing line is in sight".
He adds: "We have had to overcome numerous delays and obstacles due to unforeseen circumstances and the condition of this special building. Issues have included the asbestos discovery, and corroded floors and steel frames.
"Seat staging and finishes are now being installed, and a tower crane has been removed enabling service yard groundworks to be carried out.
"There's still a lot to do, but the team is pulling together to deliver this mammoth scheme.
"We are now looking at June for completion."
The building is set to open its doors to the public as a music venue next autumn.
And the 3,800-capacity complex has officially opened its diary to event organisers and promoters.
Bradford Live will hand over the venue to the operator, NEC Group, by mid-2024.
Visitors can expect top acts from the British, Asian and international music scenes, comedians and family entertainment.
People can now sign up, at bradfordlive.co.uk, for updates about the launch season and how to buy tickets.
General manager Darren Moore said: "Talks with interested promoters have been underway for months, so it is great to confirm that the venue’s transformation is now at the phase where we are able to formally contract events.
"In the coming months, we will start to reveal them subject to promoters’ announcement timelines. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to sign up to our mailing list."
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