Bradford Live

Bradford Live is a not-for-profit distribution company formed in 2012 to find a long term viable use for the historic former Odeon building in Bradford city centre which has been derelict since 2000.

At the end of 2014, following a rigorous competition, the Council awarded Bradford Live the right to re-develop the building. In September 2017 we announced the internationally renowned NEC Group as our operating partner.

In March 2018 we secured £4m from the DCMS from the Northern Cultural Regeneration fund. The project has also secured £999,900 from the Heritage Fund and £357,500 from WYCA. The Design Stages of the project are complete and work started on the main construction in 2021.

Our aim is to support the city’s rebirth and we believe that the former Odeon is key to that end.

The plan is to re-instate the original huge auditorium, creating the biggest ‘mid-size’ venue in the country outside London, with a capacity of 3,500 seated / 4,000 with stalls standing.

A venue of this size will attract national and international performers and its flexibility will also allow sporting events, corporate product launches exhibitions and conferences.