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Hope of 750 new jobs if ex-cinema demolished
SEVEN hundred and fifty jobs could be created if plans to tear down one of Bradford's most iconic buildings – the former Odeon cinema – get the go-ahead.
Developer Langtree Artisan and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, announced yesterday the submission of a controversial planning application for the 55m development, New Victoria Place.
The scheme, created by architect careyjones, would provide work and leisure space for residents and visitors, including a hotel, the city centre's first A-grade office accommodation, flats, bars, restaurants and cafs.
Its backers say the plans, if passed, will transform the corner of Princes Way and Thornton Road. If planning permission is granted next spring it is anticipated that work could begin on site in 2010. The development is likely to have a five-year build programme.
Glyn Turner, of Langtree Artisan, said: "New Victoria Place will become the benchmark for all future regeneration of Bradford. Langtree Artisan is looking forward to delivering this scheme and making our vision for the site a reality."
Earlier this month Langtree Artisan and Yorkshire Forward hosted a well-attended six-day public exhibition to showcase the scheme at the Great Victoria Hotel.
Glyn Turner said: "The feedback we have received following the public exhibition has directly influenced the application we have submitted today."
Dave Custance, assistant director of environment at Yorkshire Forward, said: "Bradford is one of this region's key cities and a prime European location for business growth.
"In challenging economic circumstances the progression of the New Victoria Place scheme gives a clear signal to businesses and the people of Bradford that this is a city of opportunity and a prime investment location in Yorkshire and Humber."
Following the formal registration of the application by Bradford Council it will be available to view at Jacobs Well and online via the council's website. A 3-D model of New Victoria Place will also be on display.
But not everyone is happy at the news.
John Pennington, of Bradford Odeon Rescue Group, which has campaigned vigorously since 2004 to save it, said: "I think to be brutally honest they will end up pulling the Odeon down and not building anything in its place. Bradford has too much experience of that.
"I attended the presentation by Langtree Artisan and it didn't give me confidence. They couldn't say where they were going to start.
"I think it is madness to talk about pulling it down. If it had not been for European money years ago the building next to it, the Alhambra, would have been pulled down too.''
Controversy has surrounded it since Bradford Centre Regeneration ran a contest for developers to come up with ideas for the site.
Attempts have been made to have it listed but English Heritage and the Department for Media, Culture and Sport decided the building was not of sufficient quality.
Earlier this year the Yorkshire Post reported how cinema experts had intervened to try to save it from demolition.
Richard Gray, of the Cinema Theatre Association, said a letter had been sent to Ministers saying it was "probably the largest and most elaborate cinema in the north of England'' and was "an important resource and should not disappear''.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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