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'We will deliver Odsal dream' pledge
6:30am Monday 1st December 2008
Council chiefs today pledged that the creation of the Odsal Sporting Village was now a top priority.
The construction contract for the multi-million pound project will be put out to tender early next year when consultants publish the final plan.
And the Council’s regeneration chief, Councillor Adrian Naylor, said there was a determination to press ahead with the scheme as a matter of urgency to allow it to be completed around the time of the 2012 Olympics in London.
A firm of specialists has been hired and told to produce a project plan by March at the latest, outlining the cost, timescale and make-up of the scheme.
That plan, funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, will form the template for the tendering process.
The Council has revealed that it is in advanced negotiations with the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of five different sports: rugby league, tennis, cycling, gymnastics and netball.
Lottery funding for sporting projects used to come through Sport England but is now awarded via NGBs, and the Council believes the Odsal scheme ticks all the boxes when it comes to the funding criteria.
Coun Naylor said: “If we don’t deliver anything else, this is the one we have to do. We can’t get it much higher on our agenda and really want to push ahead with it.”
He said the funding opportunities provided by the Olympics, combined with the fact that Odsal falls within Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe’s constituency, meant this was the “best chance ever to deliver the project”. He said: “It should be a spectacular project. By March we should have some idea of what the funding gap is going to be. By then, a team of specialists will have delivered the feasibility study and project outline, which will crystallise what’s going where.
“This is an important time to keep people interested. It’s a tight timescale to deliver at 2012.”
Coun Naylor said the steering group’s determination to press ahead with the project was reinforced by the pressing need to provide the Bradford Bulls with a world-class stadium to meet Super League franchise criteria.
Jane Glaister, the Council’s strategic director for culture, tourism and sport, said: “It’s not about creating a training facility for the 2012 games – we haven’t got that time. We always said in Bradford that we were more interested in a legacy from the Olympic games.”
Council chiefs revealed that the plan for the 48-acre site would include a multi-functional indoor sports hall with facilities for dancing, gymnastics and netball.
Artificial turf pitches are also likely to be included while cricket, hockey and cycling facilities are still being considered. The Council has also held a meeting with the Amateur Swimming Association. Miss Glaister said: “There will be an element of water but we are also planning a city centre strategic swimming pool so we don’t need two massive spaces.
“It would be a more specialist facility up at Odsal to complement the city centre facility.”
Peter Hood, chairman of Bradford Bulls, said: “It needs to be built prior to the Olympics. If it’s a two-year build programme, we have got to start building no later than 2010, but preferably half way through 2009.
“There’s a tremendous amount of work being done on this scheme behind the scenes. I remain optimistic for the scheme and for what it will give to the future of the city and the region.”
The partners in the scheme are Bradford College, the University of Bradford, Sport England, Bradford Bulls, the Primary Care Trust, Bradford Council and Yorkshire Forward.
e-mail: will.kilner@ telegraphandargus.co.uk
Your Say YourBradford
Collos, Bradford says...
7:34am Mon 1 Dec 08
Does this have the same priorty as the city centre or the canel basin or the rest of the many projects that are TOP PRIORTY if it has then look arounf 2030 for completion.
jkelly, Bratfud says...
7:40am Mon 1 Dec 08
Completion by 2030 - finally we have an optimist posting comments instead of the usual negativity.
Bierley, bradford says...
8:59am Mon 1 Dec 08
so in the current climate where people are unsure about job security, fighting to keep their homes, we have council that wants to waste tax payers money on building something for a PRIVATELY OWNED Business.
still, you never know - they might not get a mortgage!!
still, you never know - they might not get a mortgage!!
neverthetwain, Dubai says...
9:22am Mon 1 Dec 08
Are some of our councillors due for relection and still using the odsal farce as a vote gainer. It will never happen and the yare better off sharing valley parade with city.
Old Perculiar , Sunwin F-block says...
9:26am Mon 1 Dec 08
Go on - I'll be the first top say it :-
"THE WEMBLEY OF THE NORTH"
haha
"THE WEMBLEY OF THE NORTH"
haha
micksey, Wibsey says...
10:21am Mon 1 Dec 08
And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality.
Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!
Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
10:25am Mon 1 Dec 08
Bierley wrote:"job security", "current climate", "tax payers money" You've been watching too much TV and reading too many newspapers mate.
so in the current climate where people are unsure about job security, fighting to keep their homes, we have council that wants to waste tax payers money on building something for a PRIVATELY OWNED Business. still, you never know - they might not get a mortgage!!
Old Perculiar , Sunwin F-block says...
10:33am Mon 1 Dec 08
micksey wrote:How old are you Micksey ?
And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!
Me - I'm old enough to remember the first time Odsal was proposed for development, I was very optomistic ! Even the 2nd and 3rd proposals, I saw the bright side. But after 25 years of throwing it round,,,,,,,,
Bierley, bradford says...
11:11am Mon 1 Dec 08
haitch wrote:nah, living in the real world - don't have time for TV - too busy working 2 jobs to keep a roof over my head.
Bierley wrote:"job security", "current climate", "tax payers money" You've been watching too much TV and reading too many newspapers mate.
so in the current climate where people are unsure about job security, fighting to keep their homes, we have council that wants to waste tax payers money on building something for a PRIVATELY OWNED Business. still, you never know - they might not get a mortgage!!
also, got numerous friends that have lost their jobs in the last few weeks that worked for Woolworths and MFI, and also family that worked for The Halifax who has no idea whether her job is safe or not.
it is plain to see, without the benefit or hindrance of the media, that this country is not in the best of health economy wise.
micksey, Wibsey says...
11:40am Mon 1 Dec 08
Old Perculiar wrote:I'm old enough to remember the old Midland Rd long before Sunwin F block mate, maybe you've sat there too long to see the sunny side of things. My view is that there's simply no point in throwing cold water on things, nothing begets nothing, negativity only feeds itself. Bulls forever!!!!
micksey wrote: And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!How old are you Micksey ? Me - I'm old enough to remember the first time Odsal was proposed for development, I was very optomistic ! Even the 2nd and 3rd proposals, I saw the bright side. But after 25 years of throwing it round,,,,,,,,
Adey, Bradford says...
12:05pm Mon 1 Dec 08
I'll believe it when i see the diggers move in! Yes, it would be beneficial for Bradford to finally have a stadium that not only COULD be at the forefront of the 2012 olympics in West Yorkshire but could put stadia like Headingley and the Galpharm a very distant second in relation to Super League venue.
Fed Up Up Here, Bfd. says...
12:37pm Mon 1 Dec 08
micksey wrote:Are you the micksey from micksey and mousey?
And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!
I stand with the 'muppets'. This has been going on and on and on. Whilst I accept that this is a good step in the longer term I honestly believe that the Council should get their priorities right. Surely if this City is to develop and even try and compete we need to start by getting the City Centre sorted out. Once that has happened perhaps we might start to believe that are councillors are trustworthy enough to move on to the next project.
Old Perculiar , Sunwin F-block says...
1:09pm Mon 1 Dec 08
micksey wrote:Of course I remember the Old Midland Road, but I was more of a Kop supporter ; aye, looking back at t'olden days, cheering on Ramsbottom in goal !
Old Perculiar wrote:I'm old enough to remember the old Midland Rd long before Sunwin F block mate, maybe you've sat there too long to see the sunny side of things. My view is that there's simply no point in throwing cold water on things, nothing begets nothing, negativity only feeds itself. Bulls forever!!!!micksey wrote: And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!How old are you Micksey ? Me - I'm old enough to remember the first time Odsal was proposed for development, I was very optomistic ! Even the 2nd and 3rd proposals, I saw the bright side. But after 25 years of throwing it round,,,,,,,,
I also remember when the Bulls played at VP for 2 seasons because Bradford Council realised Odsal was a dump (for the first 50 years they Bradford taxpayers' rubbish into it, for the next 50 years they threw Bradford taxpayers' cash in it). That will have been after about 15 years of suggesting it might one day become "THE WEMBLEY OF THE NORTH", do they never learn from their mistakes ???
Brian, Wibsey says...
1:17pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Fed Up Up Here wrote:The council can't sort the city centre out because the development company cannot get sufficient major shops to sign up for it. Why? Because as a city we are widely percieved to be a dump who provides little in the way of aspirational encouragement for our young people.
micksey wrote: And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!Are you the micksey from micksey and mousey? I stand with the 'muppets'. This has been going on and on and on. Whilst I accept that this is a good step in the longer term I honestly believe that the Council should get their priorities right. Surely if this City is to develop and even try and compete we need to start by getting the City Centre sorted out. Once that has happened perhaps we might start to believe that are councillors are trustworthy enough to move on to the next project.
As the council have little say over major shops they can facilitate other agencies who have the money to go forward on this, thereby bringing a great development and a host of jobs to Bradford alongside a new stadium for the Bulls.
I can understand people being sceptical but surely even in the most backward looking city in the country whose favourite sport is passing off ignorant cynicism as informed judgement we can accept that this development a good thing.
As for the bloke who mentions job security and tax payers money he/she needs to read the article as the money is coming from a range of sources to provide a range of facilities. This should explain why he lives in Bierley.
Fed Up Up Here, Bfd. says...
1:27pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Brian wrote:Bit harsh this about people from Bierley. Remember Wibseys claim to fame comes from the brawling on the streets on a weekend.
Fed Up Up Here wrote:The council can't sort the city centre out because the development company cannot get sufficient major shops to sign up for it. Why? Because as a city we are widely percieved to be a dump who provides little in the way of aspirational encouragement for our young people. As the council have little say over major shops they can facilitate other agencies who have the money to go forward on this, thereby bringing a great development and a host of jobs to Bradford alongside a new stadium for the Bulls. I can understand people being sceptical but surely even in the most backward looking city in the country whose favourite sport is passing off ignorant cynicism as informed judgement we can accept that this development a good thing. As for the bloke who mentions job security and tax payers money he/she needs to read the article as the money is coming from a range of sources to provide a range of facilities. This should explain why he lives in Bierley.micksey wrote: And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!Are you the micksey from micksey and mousey? I stand with the 'muppets'. This has been going on and on and on. Whilst I accept that this is a good step in the longer term I honestly believe that the Council should get their priorities right. Surely if this City is to develop and even try and compete we need to start by getting the City Centre sorted out. Once that has happened perhaps we might start to believe that are councillors are trustworthy enough to move on to the next project.
Also interesting to note that you are a Bulls supporter living in Wibsey. I wonder if your opinion would be as strong if they decided to build the stadium say on the land at Holme Wood?
pjbull, east keswick says...
1:30pm Mon 1 Dec 08
It would be a massive boost to the City - the University would also benefit which helps to attract reasonably intelligent people to the area (let's be honest Bradford need to). But, the City Centre needs to be sorted.
Fed Up Up Here, Bfd. says...
1:35pm Mon 1 Dec 08
pjbull wrote:I wonder why people like this think that all those in bradford have no intelligence. Perhaps its the sheep they hang about with in E Keswick
It would be a massive boost to the City - the University would also benefit which helps to attract reasonably intelligent people to the area (let's be honest Bradford need to). But, the City Centre needs to be sorted.
Brian, Wibsey says...
1:35pm Mon 1 Dec 08
No it's not harsh. It's slightly irritated that the council are hoping to get funding from a range of sources (NGBs) to provide a range of facilities for the people of south Bradford and the reaction is wholly negative.
I restate, this attitude is why Bradford is the hole that it has become. If this was Manchester or Leeds this board would be overrun with people DEMANDING the development.
Why would they build a sporting village in part to replace the Richard Dunne Sports Centre in Holme Wood?
I restate, this attitude is why Bradford is the hole that it has become. If this was Manchester or Leeds this board would be overrun with people DEMANDING the development.
Why would they build a sporting village in part to replace the Richard Dunne Sports Centre in Holme Wood?
Fed Up Up Here, Bfd. says...
1:46pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Brian wrote:Whats harsh is the way you insult the people of Bierley.
No it's not harsh. It's slightly irritated that the council are hoping to get funding from a range of sources (NGBs) to provide a range of facilities for the people of south Bradford and the reaction is wholly negative. I restate, this attitude is why Bradford is the hole that it has become. If this was Manchester or Leeds this board would be overrun with people DEMANDING the development. Why would they build a sporting village in part to replace the Richard Dunne Sports Centre in Holme Wood?
Correct me if im wrong here but is the Richard Dunne Centre closer to Wibsy than Holme Wood perhaps even across the road from the Odsal Stadium?
micksey, Wibsey says...
1:48pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Fed Up Up Here wrote:Giddy me. A huge grand new sports development for Bradford and how do some people respond? You are pathetic Mr Fed up up here and deserve to be told so! I for one am thoroughly fed up of people imposing the negatives and disappointments of their own dull lives onto the rest of us.
Brian wrote:Bit harsh this about people from Bierley. Remember Wibseys claim to fame comes from the brawling on the streets on a weekend. Also interesting to note that you are a Bulls supporter living in Wibsey. I wonder if your opinion would be as strong if they decided to build the stadium say on the land at Holme Wood?Fed Up Up Here wrote:The council can't sort the city centre out because the development company cannot get sufficient major shops to sign up for it. Why? Because as a city we are widely percieved to be a dump who provides little in the way of aspirational encouragement for our young people. As the council have little say over major shops they can facilitate other agencies who have the money to go forward on this, thereby bringing a great development and a host of jobs to Bradford alongside a new stadium for the Bulls. I can understand people being sceptical but surely even in the most backward looking city in the country whose favourite sport is passing off ignorant cynicism as informed judgement we can accept that this development a good thing. As for the bloke who mentions job security and tax payers money he/she needs to read the article as the money is coming from a range of sources to provide a range of facilities. This should explain why he lives in Bierley.micksey wrote: And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!Are you the micksey from micksey and mousey? I stand with the 'muppets'. This has been going on and on and on. Whilst I accept that this is a good step in the longer term I honestly believe that the Council should get their priorities right. Surely if this City is to develop and even try and compete we need to start by getting the City Centre sorted out. Once that has happened perhaps we might start to believe that are councillors are trustworthy enough to move on to the next project.
I say again, this development is a very very good thing and we should all hope it comes to be. If some idiots can't / won't see it, that's their problem. I'm bored of them.
BrisBull, B-I-W says...
2:12pm Mon 1 Dec 08
IMO this can only be a good thing if it comes off.
I live to the north of the city, and am not at all jealous if this gets built.........It's time that this area had these kinds of facilities.
It would also attract businesses to invest close by - look at other cities who've benefitted from new stadia in this way - Derby is one of the nearest examples.
By the way, I sympathise with veryone who has seen this all before - I experienced the same with my home town - the city council were hopeless at delivering. Still haven't managed it!
I live to the north of the city, and am not at all jealous if this gets built.........It's time that this area had these kinds of facilities.
It would also attract businesses to invest close by - look at other cities who've benefitted from new stadia in this way - Derby is one of the nearest examples.
By the way, I sympathise with veryone who has seen this all before - I experienced the same with my home town - the city council were hopeless at delivering. Still haven't managed it!
Ralphie, Queensbury says...
2:21pm Mon 1 Dec 08
I do'nt think anyone would not realistically want the sporting village not to be built and the benefits it would bring.
However far from being negative I think that people are being realistic when they see the state of the city centre. Reading the article and looking at the number of parties that are involved in progressing this - six partners and five sports organisations - it appears to be a recipe for nothing happening very quickly.
However far from being negative I think that people are being realistic when they see the state of the city centre. Reading the article and looking at the number of parties that are involved in progressing this - six partners and five sports organisations - it appears to be a recipe for nothing happening very quickly.
Fed Up Up Here, Bfd. says...
3:04pm Mon 1 Dec 08
micksey wrote:You cant call yourself Fed Up because thats my name!
Fed Up Up Here wrote:Giddy me. A huge grand new sports development for Bradford and how do some people respond? You are pathetic Mr Fed up up here and deserve to be told so! I for one am thoroughly fed up of people imposing the negatives and disappointments of their own dull lives onto the rest of us. I say again, this development is a very very good thing and we should all hope it comes to be. If some idiots can't / won't see it, that's their problem. I'm bored of them.Brian wrote:Bit harsh this about people from Bierley. Remember Wibseys claim to fame comes from the brawling on the streets on a weekend. Also interesting to note that you are a Bulls supporter living in Wibsey. I wonder if your opinion would be as strong if they decided to build the stadium say on the land at Holme Wood?Fed Up Up Here wrote:The council can't sort the city centre out because the development company cannot get sufficient major shops to sign up for it. Why? Because as a city we are widely percieved to be a dump who provides little in the way of aspirational encouragement for our young people. As the council have little say over major shops they can facilitate other agencies who have the money to go forward on this, thereby bringing a great development and a host of jobs to Bradford alongside a new stadium for the Bulls. I can understand people being sceptical but surely even in the most backward looking city in the country whose favourite sport is passing off ignorant cynicism as informed judgement we can accept that this development a good thing. As for the bloke who mentions job security and tax payers money he/she needs to read the article as the money is coming from a range of sources to provide a range of facilities. This should explain why he lives in Bierley.micksey wrote: And great to see that the immediate response of people to this article is overwhelmingly positive as ever. Can you muppets not see that this is a MASSIVELY important step for this city and will bring benefit for generations to come! We are a backwater because we have backwater facilities and, far worse, a backwater mentality. Come on Bradford Council, be brave, go forward with this and let's get the thing built!Are you the micksey from micksey and mousey? I stand with the 'muppets'. This has been going on and on and on. Whilst I accept that this is a good step in the longer term I honestly believe that the Council should get their priorities right. Surely if this City is to develop and even try and compete we need to start by getting the City Centre sorted out. Once that has happened perhaps we might start to believe that are councillors are trustworthy enough to move on to the next project.
Touched a raw nerve here I think.
If you read my posts you will note that I have not said it is a bad thing I have given my reasons as to why i believe that it is the wrong time.
Perhaps your boredom is why you have to revert to insulting people?
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:45pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Come on guys, a new stadium in Bradford may even tempt me back from sunny Lincs!! What a joy it would be. Now! if it was taking money intended for the City Centre I could understand some of the arguments but it's not. So get behind it, less of the pesimism and let's hope and pray that this time it really can go forward. COME ON YOU BULLS!!
Gumshoe, Queensbury says...
3:48pm Mon 1 Dec 08
haitch wrote:A sensible comment at last Haitch on this issue.
Come on guys, a new stadium in Bradford may even tempt me back from sunny Lincs!! What a joy it would be. Now! if it was taking money intended for the City Centre I could understand some of the arguments but it's not. So get behind it, less of the pesimism and let's hope and pray that this time it really can go forward. COME ON YOU BULLS!!
Dr Evil, Saltaire says...
4:01pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Let's be honest here. Every couple of years when the criticism becomes unbearable, the Council plays the Odsal Card but doesn't follow it through. The criticism is just slightly abated for a while.
It is not often that I agree with Fed Up, but he is right in that the City Centre must be sorted first. A city needs foundations to last. In the scheme if things, it is not so long since wonderful Vicotrian Buildings were destroyed to build the now-demolished Broadway. That development was ill-thought out and short-sighted, as is the current one if it ever gets built.
On the subject of Broadway, IT IS THE COUNCILS'S FAULT. Whoever signed the Contract with Westfield et al should have ensured that the developer would be heavily penalised for delays, deviations for what the new development was to provide the City and certainly for failure to proceed. Such provisions should have been in place before a single building was demolished.And, YES, I have practiced Property Law since graduation a long time ago.
Incidentally, Micksey, perhaps inadvertently, quoted King Lear; 'Nothing will come of Nothing'. Very Apt.
It is not often that I agree with Fed Up, but he is right in that the City Centre must be sorted first. A city needs foundations to last. In the scheme if things, it is not so long since wonderful Vicotrian Buildings were destroyed to build the now-demolished Broadway. That development was ill-thought out and short-sighted, as is the current one if it ever gets built.
On the subject of Broadway, IT IS THE COUNCILS'S FAULT. Whoever signed the Contract with Westfield et al should have ensured that the developer would be heavily penalised for delays, deviations for what the new development was to provide the City and certainly for failure to proceed. Such provisions should have been in place before a single building was demolished.And, YES, I have practiced Property Law since graduation a long time ago.
Incidentally, Micksey, perhaps inadvertently, quoted King Lear; 'Nothing will come of Nothing'. Very Apt.
RFLfan, Bradford says...
4:11pm Mon 1 Dec 08
I think thats a fantastic idea...bulldoze Holmewood and build the sporting village there !! Maybe Bierley would make a great car park.
MP, keighley says...
4:12pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Fantastic schene, ticks all the right boxes, logic is unassailable, everyone wants to see it happen. So whats the big plan ? Er...hang it all on the (over-budget) Olympics and build it in Gerry Sutcliffe MP's (he's standing down at the next election as Gordon needs his seat for the return of Chris Leslie - the worst kept secret in Westminster ). As Blackadder would say 'its not exactly a cunning plan is it....
Dr Evil, Saltaire says...
4:31pm Mon 1 Dec 08
MP wrote:Can't imagine much worse than the use of one of Bradford's seats to bring back the smug self-serving Mr Leslie. He did absolutely nothing for Shipley & spent his whole time pursuing the Labou Party's rather than furthering the interests of his constituents.
Fantastic schene, ticks all the right boxes, logic is unassailable, everyone wants to see it happen. So whats the big plan ? Er...hang it all on the (over-budget) Olympics and build it in Gerry Sutcliffe MP's (he's standing down at the next election as Gordon needs his seat for the return of Chris Leslie - the worst kept secret in Westminster ). As Blackadder would say 'its not exactly a cunning plan is it....
I didn't realise that 'MP' was Mrs Cryer herself - hence the inside knowledge.
I don't think there is a single person in this Forum who does not wish to see the Odsal Plan come to fruition and Bradford to take it's place once more as a great City. The majority however have no faith in the Council's abilities at present and consequently Bradford'd prospects in th enear future.
djmoulson, BD2 says...
4:40pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Haitch, have you seen the plans and artists images? It's hardly a 'new' stadium, more like 'making a silk purse out of a sows ear', that said I'm all for ANY new development that benefits the city, and IF this comes to fruition then it's all positive.
What gets me is that all the council's eggs are being put into one basket, as the Canal Basin, Broadway, Park in the Heart and Odeon projects are ones that they AGAIN haven't been able to put to bed, we MUST sort out the city centre first to bring back some belief in our once proud city.
There is no wonder why people are so reticent to projects happening, Odsal is THE archetypal example of our councils inability to deliver quality developments, if they can deliver this, fair play, but just look at what they have delivered, only Eastbrooke Hall is to be commended, as the Vicar Lane development hardly complements Little Germany nearby.
Come on Bradford Council...listen to the public for once.
What gets me is that all the council's eggs are being put into one basket, as the Canal Basin, Broadway, Park in the Heart and Odeon projects are ones that they AGAIN haven't been able to put to bed, we MUST sort out the city centre first to bring back some belief in our once proud city.
There is no wonder why people are so reticent to projects happening, Odsal is THE archetypal example of our councils inability to deliver quality developments, if they can deliver this, fair play, but just look at what they have delivered, only Eastbrooke Hall is to be commended, as the Vicar Lane development hardly complements Little Germany nearby.
Come on Bradford Council...listen to the public for once.
shaun from richmond, richmond says...
5:41pm Mon 1 Dec 08
haitch wrote:Blimey !!! Move the diggers in quick, Haitch says he "MAY" go to a game!!
Come on guys, a new stadium in Bradford may even tempt me back from sunny Lincs!! What a joy it would be. Now! if it was taking money intended for the City Centre I could understand some of the arguments but it's not. So get behind it, less of the pesimism and let's hope and pray that this time it really can go forward. COME ON YOU BULLS!!
Typical....it takes political clap- trap to get Haitch, interested in opening his wallet!!
the-insider, Odsal says...
9:30pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Lets be honest people, we all would like to see a development that can be completed anywhere in Bradford. Whilst we do need to consider what is happening in the city centre, or not happening as the case maybe, please consider the following with regard to Odsal.
A few years ago the landlord of Odsal was Bradford Council, and a tenant Bradford Bulls. Bradford Council could not afford the up keep of Odsal, or maybe it couldn't manage the up keep of Odsal. So a large sum of our money was given to a private limited company, one Bradford Bulls (Holdings) Ltd or maybe Bradford Northern (1964) Limited. My understanding was that the Directors and management staff of this or these companies had the apptitude and entrepreneurial skills to develop this stadium. Well what have we seen, basically our money wasted on short term success, with no plan to develop anything and a return to the Council cap in hand as now these companies cannot also afford the up keep of this hole in the ground. Fact, over £300K went straight to Woodhouse Grove to enable it to build its own sports facilities. Bulls were a tenant to private school on a five year lease. So realistically if the Council have no money, and the Bulls have no money, and neither have the management skills to plan any facilities maintenance with what they have got, what long term chance do we stand of looking after a much larger development. But lets give these people a chance to develop this stadium and we can pay for it once they lined there own pockets and bailed out. Come back Chris Caisley, I sure you may have a few ideas to pass on.
A few years ago the landlord of Odsal was Bradford Council, and a tenant Bradford Bulls. Bradford Council could not afford the up keep of Odsal, or maybe it couldn't manage the up keep of Odsal. So a large sum of our money was given to a private limited company, one Bradford Bulls (Holdings) Ltd or maybe Bradford Northern (1964) Limited. My understanding was that the Directors and management staff of this or these companies had the apptitude and entrepreneurial skills to develop this stadium. Well what have we seen, basically our money wasted on short term success, with no plan to develop anything and a return to the Council cap in hand as now these companies cannot also afford the up keep of this hole in the ground. Fact, over £300K went straight to Woodhouse Grove to enable it to build its own sports facilities. Bulls were a tenant to private school on a five year lease. So realistically if the Council have no money, and the Bulls have no money, and neither have the management skills to plan any facilities maintenance with what they have got, what long term chance do we stand of looking after a much larger development. But lets give these people a chance to develop this stadium and we can pay for it once they lined there own pockets and bailed out. Come back Chris Caisley, I sure you may have a few ideas to pass on.
basil fawlty, says...
9:38pm Mon 1 Dec 08
I agree with those people who want to keep the city centre as the Council's priority. The Westfield shopping centre and the Park at the Heart are fundamental to turning the City's fortunes around. They will make the city centre a more attractive place for shoppers and tourists and will provide the right environment to attract white collar businesses back to Bradford. Any development at Odsal will have minimal impact on the future prosperity of Bradford and will inevitably draw public funding away from other more important projects.
basil fawlty, says...
10:58pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Councillor Naylor says that there is a pressing need to provide the Bulls with a world class stadium to meet Super League franchise criteria. Naylor is mistaken and should have said that the Bulls have a pressing need for a new stadium. Bradford Council and the beleaguered Bradford ratepayers certainly don’t have a need for a new rugby stadium, I’m pretty sure that a Super League franchise is not conditional on having “world class” facilities!
Bradford would however benefit from new sports facilities, but is knocking down the perfectly adequate Richard Dunn centre the best way to start? And hasn’t the Sporting Village concept always been fundamentally flawed because it has been driven by the desire of the rugby club to get itself a new rugby stadium built at little cost to itself rather than the demands of the sporting public? This flawed approach has been demonstrated as each announcement has been made. Each has included a new hotchpotch collection of sports, based entirely on available public funding rather than a reasoned choice based on what the public needs and is sustainable. Such a flaw will inevitably lead to a loss making enterprise that will become a drain on the Bradford ratepayer for years to come.
Bradford would however benefit from new sports facilities, but is knocking down the perfectly adequate Richard Dunn centre the best way to start? And hasn’t the Sporting Village concept always been fundamentally flawed because it has been driven by the desire of the rugby club to get itself a new rugby stadium built at little cost to itself rather than the demands of the sporting public? This flawed approach has been demonstrated as each announcement has been made. Each has included a new hotchpotch collection of sports, based entirely on available public funding rather than a reasoned choice based on what the public needs and is sustainable. Such a flaw will inevitably lead to a loss making enterprise that will become a drain on the Bradford ratepayer for years to come.
TirNaNog, says...
11:47pm Mon 1 Dec 08
Well said Mr Fawlty! Can't disagrre with any of that.
Lenny_the_legend, bratfud says...
3:41pm Tue 2 Dec 08
Ooh - have you seen that flying pig recently outside Bradford council ?
It will never happen - too many committees and too many people with their own aspirations for what it needs to be !! Why not just write it off as a no goer and save us the heartache and financial trouble !!
It will never happen - too many committees and too many people with their own aspirations for what it needs to be !! Why not just write it off as a no goer and save us the heartache and financial trouble !!
alas poor bradford I new it well, clayton hieghts says...
10:14am Fri 5 Dec 08
Here we go again (whats Coun Naylor on?)Have all the other projects been dropped down a peg or two now?
It should and might happen One day, but there is not a cat in hells chance before 2012. 2030 is probably a good call. The money is just not available, they are going to struggle to fund the Olympics so why waste time effort and Money even thinking about it. Get some retailers on that spare land in the City before it turns into a you know what!!!! and attracts all the affluent visitors.Has there been a mention of which Supermarket will be involved yet MMMM I wonder which.
If I am proved wrong and I hope I am and the Odsal sporting village was built, then surely Bradford City would have to be homed there as well. Also Cricket,Greyhound Racing,Harness Racing,and any other sport you could think of to ensure at least 300 days of events per year to recoup some of the cost. don,t forget the Hotels, and the shops, oh and what about a community centre,music venue, and will it have a kiosk selling John Smiths and Fosters Lager, bus terminous, what about a rail link, and a road directly off the M606. It sounds great but lets wake up, I just have.
It should and might happen One day, but there is not a cat in hells chance before 2012. 2030 is probably a good call. The money is just not available, they are going to struggle to fund the Olympics so why waste time effort and Money even thinking about it. Get some retailers on that spare land in the City before it turns into a you know what!!!! and attracts all the affluent visitors.Has there been a mention of which Supermarket will be involved yet MMMM I wonder which.
If I am proved wrong and I hope I am and the Odsal sporting village was built, then surely Bradford City would have to be homed there as well. Also Cricket,Greyhound Racing,Harness Racing,and any other sport you could think of to ensure at least 300 days of events per year to recoup some of the cost. don,t forget the Hotels, and the shops, oh and what about a community centre,music venue, and will it have a kiosk selling John Smiths and Fosters Lager, bus terminous, what about a rail link, and a road directly off the M606. It sounds great but lets wake up, I just have.
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Jammy, Bradford says...
7:29am Mon 1 Dec 08