Renewed hope for historic cinema

The Odeon cinema closed its doors in 2000

Campaigners fighting to save an historic former cinema building in Bradford are celebrating after plans for its demolition were put on hold.

The Odeon cinema in Princes Way had been earmarked for destruction to make way for a multi-sensory garden as part of the Bradford Centre Regeneration.

But more than 4,000 people signed a petition to protect the building.

Now a feasibility study has been commissioned to look into alternative uses for the site.

Worth retaining

Bradford Centre Regeneration (BCR), the company responsible for the multi-million pound masterplan to regenerate the city centre, has appointed consultants to carry out the research.

The original plans, drawn up by architect Will Alsop, proposed a marquee on the site to house shops, picnic areas and the garden.

Chief executive Maud Marshall said the Odeon building, and its two distinctive towers, was one of the city's best-known landmarks.

"It is such an important site and it obviously tugs at the heart strings of many in Bradford," she said.

Will Alsop's masterplan suggested a sensory garden on the cinema site

"But I think we're very conscious that pragmatically we first and foremost have to find out can it stand up, is it worth retaining, and if so, what is it likely to cost?

"If it can't, we need to establish what other uses would be appropriate."

Norman Littlewood, a builder in Wyke, has led the campaign to save the building.

He said it was one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in Britain and is in the process of trying to get it listed.

He said the structure would be ideal for a multi-purpose complex incorporating a concert hall, retail outlets and even residential properties.

"We can't lose that building," he said. "You name it you could do it in there.

"We want to go along with them (the BCR) and we all have our own ideas, but we've got to be practical.

Big name stars

"I know that building is sound so why pull it down? You couldn't afford to build it like that today and we need buildings like that.

"We need places for the young people to come to and we need interest for the people of Bradford."

The building first opened as the New Victoria cinema and theatre in 1930.

In the 1950s it became the Gaumont, attracting big name stars such as Buddy Holly and the Beatles to perform there.

The Odeon took over in 1969 but closed in 2000 when the new 13-screen complex opened in Thornbury.

The building was initially brought by a London development company, but last year Yorkshire Forward secured ownership of the site when it was put up for auction.

The results of the feasibility study and possible options for the site are expected to be announced in July.