Heritage report on the Odeon

An article in the T&A tells of several reports concerning the Odeon, that it would be too costly to refurbish.

"A new report into the condition of the derelict former Odeon cinema in Bradford city centre has concluded that it is not economically viable to retain any of it."

"Experts were called in to assess the merits of four options for retaining the Prince’s Way facade and the twin towers but have concluded it is not financially viable and would cost the developers up to £13.9 million."

"The repair work alone would cost about £6 million, it says."

"Dave Rolinson, chairman of Spawforth Planning Consultants, which commissioned the reports on behalf of Langtree Artisan, said: “Given the significant structural, architectural and economic challenges and the excessive costs required to refurbish the building, it is evident that the demolition of the building is justified.” "

That is all well and good, but after leaving the poor Odeon to rot for so long, making a hash of other regeneration in the city, I don't think the Council deserves to be given the decision over wht to do with it.

Yorkshire Forward (Regional Quango) that own the Odeon have wanted to demolish it for ages, despite local oppinion.

I think it's time we the public should decide on this issue, because we clearly can't trust the council on this issue. And please don't tell me there has been extensive "public consultation" because that's absolute rubbish. The best way to get people involved in the city, is to begin to get enthusiasm for our once great city, would be to ask the people what they want.

The Odeon would be a great place to start, and could get a real feel good factor with Bradfordians if we were asked what we wanted. Plus it would mean something could be achieved with Odeon as the Council would have the mandate to act immediately.


"A decision will be made at City Hall at tomorrow’s meeting which starts at 10.30am. There have been more than 1,300 objections in total across both applications, including from the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group. "

Support Grows for Odeon Referendum

Reading through the letters pages lately has shown that there are people writing in (non-ukip I assure you!) supporting the call for the decision over the Odeon be taken away from the unlected quango Yorkshire Forward and the untrusted Council.

I don't think I can put it in any better way than the following letter:

"It is obvious from the interest being taken in the future of the New Victoria Cinema that it’s destiny is far too important for it to be left in the hands of the seven councillors who form the Planning Committee.

The only way for a truly democratic decision to be made would be for a referendum of all the citizens of Bradford be held.

It is vital that fiascos like the demolition of the Kirkgate Market, Mechanics’ Institute, Central Library and Forster Square not be repeated"

Absolutely spot on Mr. Chappell... have you considered joining UKIP Bradford....?

here are a few more:
The choice is ours
Support the Call
Let the public decide
Poll for a true picture
Quangos must go

UKIP Bradford called for a referendum back in 2007 (Full Article T&A)

Some older letters in support of our call:
Odeon shock
Vote welcomed

There really does seem to be a growing number of people that are beginning to expect to have a vote on at least some project of the "regeneration" in Bradford.

And the Odeon is the perfect place to start.

UKIP Bradford calls for a vote on Odeon plans

Had a Letter published in the T&A regarding the Odeon and promoting UKIPs policy of local referenda....

Let the public decide

8:16am Friday 21st August 2009

SIR – Regarding the on-going saga and controversy of the Odeon, I think it’s time that a line is drawn under it and something actually achieved.
With all the information and accusations thrown around regarding the Odeon, why not give the decision to the people of Bradford? The Council will then have the authority to act – and act quickly!

There should be a Bradford-wide referendum of maybe three or four options with clear information regarding costs and intentions available prior to this, so we can all vote on which option we prefer.

One of the options must include refurbishment of the Odeon, even if it would be the most costly.
UKIP called for this, which the T&A reported on September 4, 2007, and it should be fully-backed. Why not let the public decide? Then the Council could actually get on with some “regeneration” for a change, with popular approval.

Leafletting with the Chairman

We are planning another mass leafleting session on:
Sunday 23rd August, 2pm

At: Bradford Bulls Grattan Stadium, Odsal, Bradford
Meeting place TBA

Please let me know if you can make it, will probably be about an hour in total – should be able to shift 1,000s of leaflets if we have a few hands.

Contact me for more information,
Jason

jsmith@ukip-bradford.org.uk

NO2ID Stall in Bradford

The Bradford NO2ID Group is holding a stall in Bradford and Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Saturday 21st November from around 10am - 4pm - as part of a larger event which is being run there.

UKIP fully opposes ID cards because of the spiraling costs (especially in the current economic climate), the erosion of our civil rights and that they will prove to be another unsafe IT project with our personal details.

UKIP Bradford will be supporting this event and encourage all members, supporters or anyone interested to come long, have a chat and help out!

The UKIP MEP for Yorkshire, Godfrey Bloom, may even pop along to offer his support.

So please come along!

NO2ID Website: http://www.no2id.net/
NO2ID Bradford Contact: bradford@no2id.net

UKIP Bradford Taking Local Elections Seriously

Next year when the local elections are set to take place, UKIP Bradford will be putting a record number of candidates out.

Although more known for our European Union Policy, UKIP does have a wide ranging set of local policies, from council tax and local housing, to policing and transport.

If you would like to read the current local manifesto, please find it here:
http://www.ukip.org/media/pdf/UKIPlocalManifesto.pdf

On the back of coming second in a national election and third in the Bradford area, we are on the look out for more candidates. UKIP Bradford Branch covers about 30 wards!
The more candaidates we have the more local coverage we get and it shows that we mean business by standing up for the people and issues that concern our local areas.

If you are interested in standing for UKIP (Council elections are free - General elections cost £500) please sign up to UKIP Bradford here:
http://www.ukip-bradford.org.uk/joinukipbradford.pdf

and get in touch with our Branch Chairman Jason: jsmith@ukip-bradford.org.uk

We are planning a big campaign in the run up to next years elections so get involved!

UKIP Polling 3rd in Bradford

A breakdown of the EU results has been posted on the Guardian website, listing results by local authority.

The article is here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/table/2009/jun/09/european-elections-elections-2009
The Spreadsheet: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/table/2009/jun/09/european-elections-elections-2009

UKIP are polling 3rd in Bradford!

To say we don't have any councillors or MPs in the area, it shows that there are plenty of voters willing to vote for us. All we have to do is go out and get them!

Bradford Results:

Electorate: 328,345
Votes: 110,869
Turnout: 33.77%

1. Tory 27,233 - 24.56%
2. Labour 24,884 - 22.44%
3. UKIP 16,401 - 14.79%
4. Lib Dem 14,771 - 13.32%
5. BNP 10,330 - 9.32%
6.Green 9,725 - 8.77%