A CITY MP has said he is "deeply concerned" by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Bradford Live.

With no opening date confirmed, no acts announced and no word from the NEC Group assuring people it is committed to operating Bradford Live just months from the start of UK City of Culture, questions and concerns are escalating over the future of the taxpayer-backed £50.5 million project. 

Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, has called for "urgent clarity" from those behind the scheme.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "As a cultural and historical icon of our city centre that faced the very real threat of demolition just a few years ago, people across Bradford have been hoping to see the Odeon restored to its former glory once again ever since it closed, and we've all been cheering on its stunning transformation into Bradford Live.

"With backing from some of the biggest performance acts, Bradford Live has the potential to become one of the best venues in the north and to regenerate our city centre. 

"That's why I'm proud to have fought for and secured £4m of Government funding to save the Odeon, and why I continue to be deeply concerned by the ongoing uncertainty around the project, so with Bradford 2025 around the corner, I hope that both the NEC Group and Bradford Council can end their silence and provide the urgent clarity we need."

Anna Dixon, Shipley's new Labour MP, also commented on the situation.

She said: "I am keen to see the venue open and delivering a successful programme. 

"The Bradford Live development will be wonderful for the city centre of Bradford both culturally and economically. 

"Like many people in Shipley, I recently saw the amazing pictures of the interior building and I cannot wait for my first visit after it is completed.

"I am confident that when fully operational it will deliver a world-class venue for the whole district of Bradford."

The T&A asked Naz Shah, Bradford West Labour MP, and Judith Cummins, Bradford South Labour MP, for their thoughts on the situation - but no comments were provided.

According to Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, and a director of Bradford Live, the NEC Group has "a contract to operate the venue" and "the legal processes relating to handover to the NEC Group are progressing".

The T&A has repeatedly put questions and concerns to the NEC Group regarding Bradford Live for around six months - but the Birmingham-based business has failed to comment.