The words 'Bradford Live' appear on big screen of iconic city centre building

THE words 'Bradford Live' have appeared on the big screen on the city's former Odeon building.

It comes as building work is understood to be nearing completion on the promised entertainment venue.

The project has been dogged by questions for months.

In December last year, a spokesperson for the Birmingham-based NEC Group said: "Developer, Bradford Live, will be handing the venue over to operator, the NEC Group, by mid-2024, before the group completes the final fit out in the following months. The venue's launch season will commence in autumn 2024."

But the NEC Group has repeatedly declined to reaffirm its commitment to Bradford Live or answer key questions when approached by the Telegraph & Argus - and the first two shows announced for the venue were cancelled last month.

Last week, the T&A broke the news that the Campaign for Real Ale's national Great British Beer Festival Winter would not take place at Bradford Live during City of Culture year next year amid the lingering uncertainty.

The T&A today asked the NEC Group when a statement would be provided about the situation. No official statement was given.

The T&A today asked Bradford Council for an update on the multi-million pound regeneration scheme. No response was given.

The T&A today also approached a representative of Bradford Live. They said they were unavailable for comment.