Bradford Odeon
The New Victoria opened in 1930 as the largest ciné-variety theatre outside of London and the third largest in England. The site housed a grand ballroom, restaurant and tea room. Many of the original features are currently concealed behind a late 60s fit-out when the building was converted to cinema and bingo use. These features are restorable. The building contributes materially to the Bradford townscape, makes a good neighbour for the Alhambra Theatre and would help to regenerate this area as a cultural quarter for Bradford.
After one success and a couple failed scouts in the hilly territory that leads to Bradford, we arrived in the city centre, to take a look at the property. From @UrbanDoll 's report, the remaining architecture in the structure that's deep into it's rennovation process was intriguing, particularly because the modern walls had been removed, opening up the building's original details from it's theatre era. It was towards the end of blue hour when we were facing the property, and after a bit of a wait for a slow van driver to budge, we could head in.
The main hall
I was happy to venture over the crumbling concrete to see the details on the balcony's rim.
One projector room was still in decent condition on the highest floor, without the projectors themselves, but with a selection of old machinery, controls, signage and this chair.
The ballroom
Heading down
The restaurant
Thanks for reading
The New Victoria opened in 1930 as the largest ciné-variety theatre outside of London and the third largest in England. The site housed a grand ballroom, restaurant and tea room. Many of the original features are currently concealed behind a late 60s fit-out when the building was converted to cinema and bingo use. These features are restorable. The building contributes materially to the Bradford townscape, makes a good neighbour for the Alhambra Theatre and would help to regenerate this area as a cultural quarter for Bradford.
After one success and a couple failed scouts in the hilly territory that leads to Bradford, we arrived in the city centre, to take a look at the property. From @UrbanDoll 's report, the remaining architecture in the structure that's deep into it's rennovation process was intriguing, particularly because the modern walls had been removed, opening up the building's original details from it's theatre era. It was towards the end of blue hour when we were facing the property, and after a bit of a wait for a slow van driver to budge, we could head in.
The main hall
I was happy to venture over the crumbling concrete to see the details on the balcony's rim.
One projector room was still in decent condition on the highest floor, without the projectors themselves, but with a selection of old machinery, controls, signage and this chair.
The ballroom
Heading down
The restaurant
Thanks for reading
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So much to be restored, glad it is being. Good report,
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