Two bids are viable for city’s Odeon site

Two bids to transform the former Odeon building in Bradford have made it through to the next stage of discussions.

Bradford Council has announced that organisations Bradford One and Bradford Live have both submitted successful bids for how the building can be redeveloped.

Bradford One submitted plans for a multi-purpose cultural venue and ‘centre for creativity and enterprise’.

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Bradford Live’s bid is for a commercially-run live performance venue.

Coun David Green, leader of Bradford Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have two viable proposals that can now go forward to the next stage.”

He added: “It’s promising for the future of the former Odeon building.”

Both applicants achieved a score above the minimum required to advance to the next phase in the ‘expressions of interest’ process.

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The third proposal by City Reflections – members of Bradford Property Forum – was for a sustainable, state-of-the-art swimming, diving, athletic and multi-sport facility, but the proposal has been withdrawn.

Allan Booth, director of Rance Booth Smith Architects, said: “We have been delighted by the highly favourable press and public response to our proposal and the team have been pleased to have had the opportunity to explore the possibility of such a stunning development.

“However, we have now had more detailed discussions, including with the council who were unable to commit to the Odeon for their city centre swimming pool, and as a result we are withdrawing from the process.”

Bradford Council bought the building from the Homes Community Agency for £1 on the condition that they received funding for maintenance costs.

The council then invited individuals or groups to come forward with viable propositions for the building.