• Opened in 1930 in the heart of Bradford as a 3,318-seat art deco cinévariety theatre, the former New Victoria was one of the largest and most impressive cinemas in the UK.

• In 1950, it changed its name to the Gaumont, and under that guise hosted the great names of the early Rock ‘n’ Roll years: Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.

• In July 2000, the former Odeon finally closed. Plans were developed to demolish the building and redevelop the site with offices, a hotel and residential spaces.  

• Bradford Odeon Rescue Group (BORG) was formed in 2003 to save the Odeon from demolition.

• Ownership of the former Odeon was taken by The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) who, in 2014, transferred the building to Bradford Council having invested in a programme of remediation which addressed the previous asbestos problem, secured the building’s solidity and watertightness and prepared it for further transformation.

• In late 2014, Bradford Live was awarded the right to renovate the former Odeon and return it to operation as a multipurpose venue capable of hosting live music, entertainment, conferencing, weddings & banquets, through a procurement competition managed by Bradford Council.

• Bradford Live were passionate about the potential to bring the building back into use as part of a Bradford’s cultural offer to ensure its ongoing contribution to the Bradford townscape.

• The renovation of the now named Bradford Live will play a key role in complementing the £3bn regeneration in the city, which is helping to make Bradford an ideal base for European and international business investment. The renovation and return to service of the former Odeon will give the city another key anchor to maximise the benefit of the investment in City Park, creating a high-quality entertainment offer for the city and beyond.

• Practical completion was certified in July 2024, and the site was handed back to Bradford Live/ Bradford Council.  

• Now Trafalgar Entertainment has been confirmed as operator, fitout works can commence to our specifications. 

• The ambition is for the venue to be fully operational as soon as possible, in order for it play an integral part in a successful Bradford 2025 City of Culture. 

• The architect is Tim Ronalds Architects of London who have an outstanding reputation for heritage buildings such as the Hackney Empire and Wilton’s Music Hall.