Huge screen on old Odeon takes shape as building's rebirth continues

Workers are busily installing a 32-metre-wide screen between the venue’s two main entrances.

The digital display will be used to advertise upcoming concerts and events to passers-by in Bradford city centre.

When the T&A visited on Thursday afternoon, it was noticeable that many people were pausing to watch the progress taking place on putting up the screen.

The screen will also be able show full-motion video and is billed as being able to provide the perfect backdrop for any events held in the public space.

The screen taking shape on the former Odeon cinema (Image: T&A)

Bradford Live says the screen has always been a key component of the project and anticipate that the it will become an attraction in its own right - initially serving as a focal point of Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations in 2025.

It is the most visual change to the building since the facade emerged from behind scaffolding in September last year.

Work to put up the screen taking place earlier this week (Image: T&A)

The former Odeon cinema is scheduled to open its doors as new music venue, Bradford Live, in Autumn 2024.

The iconic 1930s building is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation to turn it into Bradford Live.

The remaining chunks of the screen being put in place (Image: T&A)

Bradford Live will be handing the venue over to operator, the NEC Group, by mid-2024, before the group completes the final fit out in the following months.

Visitors have been told to expect top music acts from the British, Asian, and international music scenes, comedians, and family entertainment.

People can now sign up to be the first to hear about the launch season and how to buy tickets.

A different angle of the works on the former Odeon (Image: T&A)

Several acts have been announced, with more to follow.

‘Thank you for the Music’, The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA will take place on Friday, November 8.

The show, now in its 21st year, brings all of ABBA’s number-one hits together with "unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast".

A cherry picker being used as the huge screen is put up (Image: T&A)

‘Legend – The Music of Bob Marley’ will also be arriving at Bradford Live, direct from the West End on Friday, November 29.

The show is described as an "unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show extravaganza".

Meanwhile, a huge amount of work continues on Princes Way outside the front of the building as Bradford Council contractors re-model the city centre's road system.

Slightly further up the road, the former Jacobs Well roundabout has largely disappeared, while huge changes on Hall Ings continue in anticipation of the former NCP car park's demolition to create a new park in the extended Norfolk Gardens.