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The Birmingham-based group has decided the 4,000-cap West Yorkshire venue "will be better served by an alternative operator"
By James Hanley on 20 Sep 2024
A new operator is being sought for UK venue Bradford Live after NEC Group pulled out of the £50 million (€60m) project “with immediate effect” following months of speculation.
Birmingham-based NEC Group had been due to take over the operation of the 4,000-cap West Yorkshire venue from developer Bradford Live this year ahead of its planned November opening, but has decided it “will be better served by an alternative operator”.
“Following a strategic review of its business, the NEC Group will focus on its existing operations in the Birmingham area,” says a joint statement on behalf of the company and the local authority. “Bradford Council and the NEC Group have agreed settlement terms to release NEC from the contract that was in place for them to operate the venue. NEC will step away from Bradford Live with immediate effect.”
Under its former name of The Gaumont, the historic building welcomed legends such as Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles in the 1960s. The building then became an Odeon cinema and Top Rank Bingo club, before closing its doors in 2000.
Following a successful campaign to save the building, Bradford Live came in to find a long-term viable use for the venue in 2012 and secured the NEC Group as the venue’s future operator in 2017, with plans to put the city “firmly back on the national live music touring circuit”.
However, the Bradford Telegraph & Argus reports that only a preliminary contract existed between the two organisations, while a Freedom of Information Act request by the publication revealed the overall cost of the project had more than doubled to £50.5m – almost £44m of which came from the council.
“Further updates, and a new date for opening, will be provided when a new operator is confirmed”
In January, tickets for two tribute shows – Thank you for the Music, The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA and Legend – The Music of Bob Marley – went on sale as part of its planned launch season this November, but the events were later cancelled. Venue management veteran Darren Moore, who previously served at Bonus Arena Hull, York Barbican and First Direct Arena Leeds, was named general manager at Bradford Live in July last year, but left his position in February 2024.
Bradford Live and the council say they will now move “at pace” to identify a new operator, with Bradford Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe adding the authority is aiming to have the venue operational in 2025 to host events as part of Bradford’s UK City of Culture year.
“The council and NEC have been unable to provide any significant detail on the situation relating to Bradford Live until now, whilst negotiations were taking place,” says the statement. “Further updates, and a new date for opening, will be provided when a new operator is confirmed.”
Lee Craven, founding director of Bradford Live, adds: “Bringing this much-loved building back to life has been a huge task spanning years and involving many tough challenges. Throughout, we have had the steadfast support of Bradford Council, who have never wavered in their commitment. The result is a world class music venue whose quality exceeds even our own hopes.
“We look forward to securing a new operator soon who can do justice to the building’s potential and make Bradford Live a ‘must play’ venue for major touring acts.”
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