NEC Group International (NECGI), part of Birmingham’s NEC Group, has been chosen as the operating partner for the rejuvenated Bradford Odeon, which is expected to open in 2020.
The NEC Group, which runs both Birmingham arenas, will take a 30-year lease on the 4,000-capacity building and invest £2 million towards the conversion costs.
NECGI plans to bring live music, comedy, Bollywood shows, and other live performances to the venue, which has been derelict since closing in 2000, re-establishing Bradford on the national live music touring circuit.
“Bradford Live is delighted to announce NEC Group International as our Operator Partner for the Odeon," said Bradford Live director Lee Craven. "They bring a wealth of experience and resource and the work they did to win the bid was hugely impressive. They understand the building thoroughly and what its transformation will mean for the City.
"The 30-year commitment NEC has made allows Bradford Live to unlock a majority of the funding needed to restore the building and we are now working closely with the Council to ensure the full funding package is secured. Bradford Live looks forward to partnering with NEC Group and Bradford Council to ensure that Bradford will soon have one of the very best live music/event venues in the UK.”
As well as the main auditorium, the 930 art deco ballroom will be fully restored to its original splendour to host weddings, banquets, corporate and conferencing events and other live performances.
“The NEC Group is focused on creating destinations of the future and is committed to connecting audiences with great content, creating unforgettable live experiences," said Phil Mead, MD, NEC Group Arenas.
“Bradford Odeon, once restored, will breathe new life into an historic building which has played a pivotal role in the city’s past. The redeveloped venue, as part of the ongoing regeneration of Bradford city centre anchored around City Park, will deliver jobs and investment and transform the live event and entertainment offer of the City. It’s a really exciting, ambitious project which provides us with an opportunity to showcase our venue management skills. We look forward to partnering with Bradford Live to bring it to life and to delivering a new venue of choice to the entertainment and events market.”
