**New Operator for Bradford Live Venue Announced**

Bradford Live has a new operator after a year of uncertainty. Trafalgar Entertainment, a global live entertainment company, will now manage the venue and plans to open it by this Autumn. The company operates 21 venues worldwide, including the Olympia Theatre in London and the Theatre Royal in Sydney.

The £50 million venue, formerly the Odeon cinema, was set to open as a live music venue last year. However, in September, the original operator, NEC, withdrew, leading Bradford Council to search for a new operator for the city’s major regeneration project.

Bradford Council announced on Monday that Trafalgar Entertainment was selected after a competitive tender process. The company’s co-founder, Sir Howard Panter, emphasized their commitment to promoting Bradford as the UK City of Culture 2025.

The main auditorium will accommodate 3,000 seated or 3,500 standing guests, with additional event spaces available. The venue, built in the 1930s, has been fully restored at a cost of £50 million, double the initial budget.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, expressed excitement about the new operator, saying the venue’s opening will play a significant role in Bradford’s future and the UK City of Culture celebrations. The investment is expected to boost the local economy and support businesses in the district for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bradford Live’s exciting future!