Bradford | Odeon - New Victoria Place | Canc

[Val Verde]

Interesting proposal and much better then flattening it although I would have thought there would surely need to be a name behind this proposal if it is to be taken seriously. Still a Performing Arts Centre would be a good idea perhaps expanding on cultural facilities in this end of Bradford on top of the Alhambra Theatre and National Media Museum (does Bradford University / College have much expertise in the field of drama to make good use of such a facility?).

[Yorkshire Boy]

I really really really really like it.

How serious is this proposal though? The developer has wished to be anonymous, maybe because it's a vision/delaying measure? Can someone shed any light?

Here's a render for the thread anyway:

[donnybradford]

If this is to go ahead (which I hope it does), it would leave the car park behind the odeon vacant for a smaller development, maybe an office block with ground floor bars / restaurants. This would make it much more likely to happen sooner than the full blown original proposals. Sensible, step by step regeneration, its the way forward :P

[MarkJF]

My scepticism is based on the developer (if one exists) wanting to remain anonymous and it's proposed use, a "performing arts centre". The image? I love it and it'd be fantastic IF it happened.

Why would a developer not tap into the support it would immediatley generate from those plans?

Performing arts centre? To me, that means "multi-purpose" To include dance, theatre and music, the 2 former are catered for next door. Music? What, a concert hall? I'd go for that, great.

It has to make money though to be a "starter", I'd have to know a lot more before I gave it more than a 5% chance of happening and feel I am being pretty generous at 5%.

I am more interested in the immediate problem of concrete/steel corrosion.

[donnybradford]

Originally Posted by MarkJF

My scepticism is based on the developer (if one exists) wanting to remain anonymous and it's proposed use, a "performing arts centre". The image? I love it and it'd be fantastic IF it happened.

Why would a developer not tap into the support it would immediatley generate from those plans?

Performing arts centre? To me, that means "multi-purpose" To include dance, theatre and music, the 2 former are catered for next door. Music? What, a concert hall? I'd go for that, great.

It has to make money though to be a "starter", I'd have to know a lot more before I gave it more than a 5% chance of happening and feel I am being pretty generous at 5%.

I am more interested in the immediate problem of concrete/steel corrosion.

The building is owned by the homes and communities agency, who probably want it demolished and get to make the decision I suspect. I guess with people like Galloway behind it, we're gonna have a voice and a loud one as well to spearhead the restoration this building.

The developer probably wants to remain anonymouse at this stage to avoid hassle and public and political pressure, plus the building is owned by someone else and is not for sale.

They have release a picture, I suspect more wil be fed to us over time to gain more support. I suspect the developer is just testing the water at this stage.

[MarkJF]

Originally Posted by donnybradford

The building is owned by the homes and communities agency, who probably want it demolished and get to make the decision I suspect. I guess with people like Galloway behind it, we're gonna have a voice and a loud one as well to spearhead the restoration this building.

The developer probably wants to remain anonymouse at this stage to avoid hassle and public and political pressure, plus the building is owned by someone else and is not for sale.

They have release a picture, I suspect more wil be fed to us over time to gain more support. I suspect the developer is just testing the water at this stage.

Galloway could be very useful, with no baggge he could ruffle some feathers.
I'd still like to know how the business could/would be a viable concern, what is described sounds like a non-starter to me, maybe it's not something so ambiguous as a "performing arts centre"?

The structure is iconic, if the facade and towers (or just the towers) are retained, then I'll be happy.

I read somewhere that they had found steel/concrete rot in the towers, that could mean demolition regardless.

[Mark 1234]

Looks like Ian Greenwood has now totally changed his views on demolision of ODEON,and declared that he was all along in favour of keeping it. This following similar statement from the tories yesterday.
So now all major parties have said it should be redeveloped, think the George Galloway effect is showing, and the Labour Con/Libs know they are in trouble in the local elections in May.
If George Galloway can get to the heart of the Westfield saga as he has promised,this could be great for Bradford.

[idlemoor]

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/...s-for-Bradford

Sunday April 8,2012
By Ravender Sembhy

GEORGE Galloway is lining up Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds to invest in Bradford City FC and the city’s iconic Odeon building in an audacious regeneration bid.

Galloway, elected MP for Bradford West last week after a sensational by-election victory, said: “I have big plans for Bradford City FC. With my connections in the Arab world, I am actively speaking to and seeking out sovereign wealth funds and Middle Eastern princes to pump investment into the club. There is massive potential.”

The former Odeon cinema had been earmarked for demolition by its current owner, the Homes and Communities Agency, but Galloway hopes to secure investment to save it.

He said: “I’m also tapping up sovereign wealth funds to invest in the Odeon building, which is an architectural treasure.

The Respect MP believes that long-held plans for a new Westfield shopping centre in Bradford are “dead in the water”.

He said: “There is no evidence that they will ever start building, it’s a catastrophe. I’m demanding a public inquiry into the black hole they have made. It’s a scandal, heads have to roll.”

Westfield did not respond to requests for comment.

Pausing only to contemplate why the United Kingdom does not have a sovereign wealth fund, let us observe that Mr Galloway's loquatiousness ensures that if (heaven forfend!) Mr Galloway's endeavours end in failure, his failure will be well documented.

Mr Galloway speaks unto us via the Daily Express in preference to the T&A, and doesn't mention the Bulls.

[Jeff Randall]

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2012/01/i...evamp-project/

A lesson to the owners of the Odeon and the City of Bradford.

Jeff

[Val Verde]

Originally Posted by idlemoor

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/...s-for-Bradford

Pausing only to contemplate why the United Kingdom does not have a sovereign wealth fund, let us observe that Mr Galloway's loquatiousness ensures that if (heaven forfend!) Mr Galloway's endeavours end in failure, his failure will be well documented.

Mr Galloway speaks unto us via the Daily Express in preference to the T&A, and doesn't mention the Bulls.

Well it will be interesting whether or not gorgeous George attracts the attention of these Sovereign Wealth Funds although surely if any money was to be made out of Bradford then such investments would have been made already irrespective of who is in charge politically. Also I would have thought Leeds United would surely be a much more attractive club for such a Middle Eastern fund as opposed to Bradford City considering bigger history and support compared with Bradford City (although this depends on whether the price is right for Master Bates unfortunately).

Also definately curious going with the (right wing) Diana Madeline Express as opposed to the T&A and telling not even mentioning the Bradford Bulls which is certainly a large sporting institution in the City of Bradford. Does George Galloway even have a house in Bradford yet and has he spoken in the Commons since his election considering his past record for never attending debates / votes? Still it is worth noting that he believes the lack of action on the Westfield site is a disgrace and that there should be enquiry with heads rolling although surely it has long, long, long past the stage any enquiry would have made any sort of impact whatsoever with surely the need for Bradford City Council to seize the Westfield site and perhaps selling parts of the Westfield off piecemeal for development perhaps being the only way forward.

Also the plans to regenerate the former Ritz in Lincoln are certainly something which would be wise to follow for the former Bradford Odeon.

[MarkJF]

Originally Posted by Val Verde

Well it will be interesting whether or not gorgeous George attracts the attention of these Sovereign Wealth Funds although surely if any money was to be made out of Bradford then such investments would have been made already irrespective of who is in charge politically.

They don't do it for the money, they do it for profile, Manchester City and Malaga (2 richest clubs in the world) enhance the global status/profile of Abu Dahbi and Qatar, the money is incidental. TBh I know nothing about Qatar or Abu Dhabi apart from the fact that they own both those clubs. So it works. No idea where Bradford fits in.

[Bradfordian]

Galloway lives in Bradford, he has a house in Manningham

[riclam]

Perhaps now this city centre can move aheadand progress....

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.u...ays_developer/

[Val Verde]

Article in the Yorkshire Post over proposals from Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (I think that is the name) that the former Bradford Odeon should become the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts a a concert venue, museum and listening room for the Radio One DJ’s extensive record collection. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/...tion-1-4530850

image hosted on flickr




Certainly a very good idea to give a new life to a landmark building and of course John Peel had a connection with Bradford through his wife who was bought up in Saltaire. However there is of course the need to attract funding for such a venture and I am sure there are many other places who could bid to host such a venue assuming it ever happens. Still I can imagine Bradford Council completely ignoring this proposal in addition to all of the other proposals which have come and gone for this site.

[oyster]

Nice to see the building covered up by scaffolding, Bradford looks rather fresh and clean in that top picture.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by riclam

Perhaps now this city centre can move aheadand progress....

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.u...ays_developer/

You call that progress?

I call this progress:

http://www.johnpeelnorth.org/

http://twitter.com/#!/JohnPeelNorth

THE PLAN

Should the building be saved from demolition and approval from the council be given, the plan is to turn the former Bradford Odeon into a flagship venue and exhibition space right in the heart of the city centre.

The location, overlooking the new Mirror Pool and next to the Alhambra theatre, Impressions Gallery and National Media Museum is expected to transform the centre of the city into a vibrant arts and music hub with a strong focus on the future. This would be an asset for the whole of the North of England and beyond and lead the regeneration of the increasingly derelict city with the hugely increased visitor numbers it will generate.

The building is planned to house a 1500 capacity venue to showcase the very best in new and experimental music from across the world as homage to the legacy of the cause John Peel championed throughout his life.

There will be listening areas for the John Peel archive currently being digitised and a repository for new and unsigned acts to deposit their music with a view to this then being accessible to national radio and other media.

A bar and cafe on the Thornton Road side of the building will have provision for live music most nights of the week and this will be focused primarily around local acts and the contribution they make to our cultural scene.

We will also be providing educational space to encourage the next generation of media talent to take an active role in the building and gain entry to the entertainment industry, and we plan to have the ability to broadcast live events from the centre.

Discussions are ongoing with private investors and national institutions to secure financial backing for the build phase of the scheme and the plan is for it to be financially self sufficient once the infrastructure is in place in order to make the project sustainable in the long term.

Exclusive: Bradford Odeon could house John Peel music collection

The Odeon in Bradford

By Mark Casci

Published on Thursday 10 May 2012 06:00

PLANS for a new music venue and museum showcasing the rich musical heritage of northern England are unveiled today by campaigners striving to save Bradford’s iconic Odeon building.

The group fighting to save the building and its historic twin towers want to use it to house the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, which would serve as a concert venue, museum and listening room for the famous DJ’s extensive record collection.

The centre would be modelled on the existing John Peel Centre for Creative Arts near the late presenter’s home in Suffolk, with organisers convinced it would help provide an outlet for artists across Yorkshire and help kickstart the city’s beleaguered economy.

The plans are said to have been warmly welcomed by Mr Peel’s wife Shiela Ravenscroft, who was brought up in Saltaire. The pair met when Mr Peel played a gig at Bradford University.

Andrew Stringer from the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts told the Yorkshire Post: “It is an absolutely wonderful idea. It is a fantastic old building and needs to be preserved.”

The Odeon building has lain derelict for more than a decade with a controversial plan to demolish it and create a mixed-use development having seemingly hit the buffers. Planning permission was granted in 2009 but no work has taken place and the building has since been shrink-wrapped in plastic sheeting to prevent crumbling material falling onto the streets below.

It is currently owned by the Homes & Communities Agency who took it over when its previous owner Yorkshire Forward was wound up. It has since spent more than £700,000 maintaining it.

The group plans to finance the scheme as a community enterprise meaning that the building and the museum would be held in trust for future generations, with income generated by providing a world class venue for major acts and other sources such as the Lottery, the EU and the Arts Council.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/...tion-1-4530850

Also mentioned on Radio 6, at least twice today, first one on Shawn Keaveny Show at 1:45:44 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b01hc0h8

Second on the Mark Radcliffe (& Stuart McConie) Show at 2:18:40 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b01hbzk4

Some other websites from the general campaign:

http://www.cityoffilm.co.uk/

http://savetheodeon.wordpress.com/

[riclam]

Originally Posted by Dan B

You call that progress?

I call this progress:

http://www.johnpeelnorth.org/

http://twitter.com/#!/JohnPeelNorth





http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/...tion-1-4530850

Also mentioned on Radio 6, at least twice today, first one on Shawn Keaveny Show at 1:45:44 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b01hc0h8

Second on the Mark Radcliffe (& Stuart McConie) Show at 2:18:40 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b01hbzk4

Some other websites from the general campaign:

http://www.cityoffilm.co.uk/

http://savetheodeon.wordpress.com/

And BDMC being as useless and inept as they are will let this go too no doubt!

Lets see how pro Councillor Dave Green really is....

[MarkJF]

I am all for keeping the Odeon, it's essential, it's an iconic structure and part of Bradford's historical fabric. Keeping just the facade would be acceptable.

Still, I have to wonder just what % of the population would give a monkey's fart about John Peel or his music collection?

[idlemoor]

Originally Posted by MarkJF

Still, I have to wonder just what % of the population would give a monkey's fart about John Peel or his music collection?

Me, for a start. And furthermore, in my opinion Leeds can stick its corporatist arena right up its mainstream arse.

The clue is in your question, Mr JF. In your haste to invoke flatulent simians, you have neglected to delineate "the population" from whom the "%" is to be drawn. I would humbly submit that the catchment for such a centre would be much wider than the catchment for, e.g., an indoor arena duplicating those already available in Sheffield and Manchester; and therefore, that the "%" of this large catchment required to sustain such a centre would not need to equal the "%" of a smaller catchment sustaining something more mainstream. I would also submit that the long term commitment of we farting monkeys is far greater than the fleeting commitment of Beliebers.

But I could be wrong. Perhaps the Odeon should remain wrapped until eight years after the death of Simon Cowell, so that we might avail ourselves of the doubtlessly greater "% of the population" who will doubtlessly still be demanding a repository of his doubtlessly enduring influence and doubtlessly good taste?

[MarkJF]

IM, I am all for the centre but don't think John Peel & his collection is a big pull. Your long term commitment? How long are you going to live? My kids (18,14,&11) don't even know what a record collection is, never mind who John Peel is.