Combined Authority grant means more good news for Bradford Odeon

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has today announced a £325,000 grant for the Bradford Odeon.

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

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 £2 million toward the transformation of the landmark building into one of Yorkshire’s premier music venues, the Combined Authority is now able to release the funds.

The regeneration project is forecast to create up 30 full-time equivalent jobs upon completion, 20 apprenticeship roles and 60 temporary construction jobs. The new venue is expected to open in 2020.

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.

”Bradford has now benefitted from more than £61 million of funding from the Combined Authority, a testament to the key role Bradford has to play in the Leeds City Region.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which secured the £1 billion plus Growth Deal for Leeds City Region, said:

“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.”