Combined Authority awards £325k grant for transformation of ‘landmark’ Bradford Odeon building

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced a £325k grant to go towards the transformation of Bradford Odeon.

The grant, part of the Leeds City Region’s £1bn plus Growth Deal to boost the region’s economy, will be used to support the regeneration of the historic former cinema.

The town’s Odeon building is set to be transformed into a live music and events venue and will open in 2020.

The funding, which was approved in July 2016, was dependent on the confirmation of an operating partner.

Following the news of the appointment of operator NEC Group, which will invest £2m toward the project, the Combined Authority is now able to release the funds.

The regeneration project is expected to create 30 full-time jobs upon completion, 20 apprenticeship roles and 60 temporary construction jobs.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “We are delighted with this additional funding from the Combined Authority. This grant will help to regenerate this historic building into what will be an incredible cultural asset for the city.

“This follows on from the great news that NEC group will be the operator partner for the Odeon. The momentum is starting to build behind the Odeon’s rebirth and this latest announcement just adds to that.

“We are working closely with Bradford Live to secure the remaining funding needed and this grant is the first of many announcements we hope to welcome in the coming months.”

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, commented: “I am immensely pleased to see the approval of this much-needed grant by the Investment Committee.

“Thanks in-part to this Growth Deal funding, Bradford Odeon will be a transformational project, not just for this landmark building, but for the people and city of Bradford and the City Region.

“This venue, situated at the heart of the city, will become another iconic string to Leeds City Region’s outstanding cultural bow, adding the already exceptional quality of life in our region.”

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