Bradford Live

dizzydevil on March 2, 2021 at 9:21 am

Restoration is coming along well given the corona virus pandemic ect ..they have now actualy manage to remove all of the tripling of the cinema and got it back to one big auditourium! …you can follow the progress on their you tube channel Bradford live!and also their titter feed and web site! here is the YT vid of restoring the auditorium in 2019! https://youtu.be/xJpOiUpbZQs

CF100 on June 18, 2019 at 10:25 pm

madorganplayer:

the auditorium looks as if theres nothing left to conserve.

The only decorative aspect I know of that remained in the auditorium is the plasterwork at the front of the lower circle, in the void between the bingo hall ceiling and the 1960’s auditoria.

It (and the original steppings behind!) can be seen in a video uploaded with the title “Bradford Odeon Stripping Out ~ Autumn 2014”

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According to the planning application “Design and Access Statement” (referenced as “DESIGN” in the previous post):

“Although much of the plaster decoration of the auditorium was lost in 1968, the steel structure that supported that decoration survives, as do important fragments of the decoration itself, such as the roof lantern.”

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Overlaying Rank’s 1960’s drawings over the original, one sidewall of each of the two auditoria being in approximately the same location as the original. It’s not quite clear, but it appears that the rear wall position is partially in the same location, and its central section may suggest that alterations made could not have allowed for the original decoration to have survived.

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However, the “Engineering Heritage” section of the “Design and Access Statement” (PDF p14) suggests that the structural aspects are of interest:

“With main roof trusses nearly 3m deep, spanning over 40m across a vast auditorium nearly 20m high, and a rear corner cantilevered out over the Bradford Beck, the ambition and skill of the engineers involved is impressive even by modern standards.

“The basic building has a robust structure of loadbearing brick, steel framing, an interesting and rare early precast plank flooring system, and timber roofs.”

CF100 on June 18, 2019 at 6:34 pm

Architects' Journal — 10/12/2018 — “Aedas reveals £20m plans for Bradford Odeon rebirth”.

The article includes renderings of the proposals, proposed ground floor plan, and photos inside the cinema building (partially stripped to the state required for the redevelopment.)

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The planning application for the venue (approved):

Main planning application for the “Refurbishment and extension of former cinema to create an entertainment and event venue with supporting ancillary spaces including bars, ballroom and cabaret bar/restaurant and three-storey extension.”

A previous “CONSERVATION STATEMENT” (for a Lottery Funding application) notably informed by the Theatre’s Trust, 20th Century Society, Cinema Theatre Association, Cinema Theatre Organ Society, as well as the local authority and organisations has been used as a source for the document marked as “HERITAGE STATEMENT,” which in turn seems to have been largely incorporated into the document marked “DESIGN.”

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The latter is therefore the most convenient “all-in-one” file to download; it includes extensive background information, alongside numerous photos of the cinema, including under construction, the original plans, the 1960’s conversion plans, and, of course, also covers the proposed scheme.

madorganplayer on December 6, 2018 at 3:52 pm

Ive just seen a programme with Michael Portillo about the Odeon.Apart from the Ballroom,the auditorium looks as if theres nothing left to conserve.

scoombs on April 15, 2015 at 3:48 pm

My father was the chief projectionist until 1964. I would like to follow the progress in restoration

Mike_Blakemore on July 10, 2014 at 6:23 am

This is a very difficult Project as there is already a Fine Theatre in Bradford.. “The Alhambra” The Lottery Fund only gives money Providing other monies are obtained.. Another place to look is the EU communities Fund… Good Luck..

70mmbobbyj on May 9, 2013 at 6:01 am

It is reported that the council HAVE now purchased this building for the princely sum of £1-00.

Ken Roe on October 27, 2010 at 2:21 pm

Vintage photographs of the New Victoria Cinema, and its Wurlitzer organ console;
http://www.ukwurlitzer.co.cc/2116.html

Mike Rogers on June 30, 2010 at 9:28 pm

You guys have such beautiful theatres and really great stories to read.

Cinefan on November 21, 2008 at 2:25 pm

I’ve been putting this off, so better to take the stake to the heart now than later.

Bradford New Vic/Gaumont/ODEON has been refused listing and is doomed, here’s a link.
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Since I don’t live in Bradford, my opinion does not count and therefore, I resent my ‘Save this building’ comments here. They can do much better on the ODOEN/Paramount Newcastle which I’m near.
My guess is that BORG will do the dangerous and walk on the site, preventing the demoliton staff from destroying it. Then again, BORG knows not to do anything dangerous.

I didn’t inform BORG about said above article on my last comment and I will refuse to inform them about this, since I don’t live in Bradford and I’ve never been in the building properly.

cinemajames on September 19, 2008 at 6:00 pm

Just don’t think about the two new [horrible] small screens – look at some of the photos above. We should all look for the main auditorium [bingo], the ballroom and the restaurant; all of these areas have false lowered ceilings with original decorative plaster and decorations above.
English Heritage should look at all these areas/points before they say it is not worth listing!
And remember, it’s the New Victoria or Gaumont NOT the Odeon – the Odeon-built Odeon was on Manchester Rd 600 mts away.

Best regards to all

Ian on May 1, 2008 at 4:01 am

The condition of the former Odeon continues to deteriorate. The frontage onto Princes Way is looking particularly poor now, after the removal of the lightbox and canopy. Photos from April 2008 here:–

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