MP in call for city landmark to be reopened to public

David Ward, Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East, said he saw no reason why parts of the building should not be brought back into use until its long-term future is decided.

“I am now convinced that much of the Odeon could and should be brought back into use, pending a decision on its long-term future,” he said. “A lot of money has been spent on clearing the building, which is now water-tight and asbestos-free.

“Why can’t we open the doors and let the public in? I’m sure there are many local groups who would have an interest in using parts of the building, whether it’s for tours, markets, exhibitions or something else.

“It would provide a massive psychological boost to those who have campaigned for so long to retain the Odeon and also add to the general feeling that the city centre is really moving forward.”

The city centre building has lain derelict for more than a decade.

Plans were approved in 2009 to partially demolish it to make way for the New Victoria Place complex, involving a hotel, offices and restaurants, despite considerable public opposition.

But in September, it was announced that the building’s owner, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), had pulled the plug on the plans.

The agency has since offered the building to Bradford Council for £1 – an offer it is still considering.

Mr Ward has pledged to contact the HCA and the council to discuss possible ways forward.

His intervention follows a meeting with campaigners in the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (BORG).

Spokesman Mark Nicholson said: “Whilst we are all waiting for the next development in this long saga to unfold, David Ward’s short-term interim use suggestion within part of the Odeon would allow Bradfordians to reconnect with a much-loved building.

“Furthermore, this regenerated pulse of activity could really excite prospective developers into coming forward with proposals to bring the rest of the building to life.”