Client: RN Woolers, Bradford Live – Formerly Bradford Odeon
In the city centre of Bradford, the former Bradford Odeon Cinema building has stood empty and dilapidated. The ex-cinema closed in 2000 and was planned to be demolished and turned into a large office complex. However, due to public outcry and financial unviability, the plans fell through in 2012. The building was eventually transferred to the council for £1 with prospective bidders vying for a chance to start renovations.
Almost a century old, Bradford Live originally opened as a cinema, theatre and ballroom in 1930 named the New Victoria; the first of its kind in Britain. It has hosted the likes of the Beatles and Rolling Stones and still retains some of its original Art Deco features on it’s walls and ceilings.
The venue has received £50 million in investments to return it to its former glory, with plans for it to be converted into a music venue and renamed Bradford Live, set to open in Autumn 2025.
The main contractor called us in to treat an outbreak of dry rot and to design and install a bespoke waterproofing system for their massive underground basement area. Surveys were conducted in May 2021.
Challenges
The work site was extensive with the entire basement area requiring waterproofing work. Our Leeds team worked in phases with technicians returning to the site periodically over 12 months.
Timberwise works in a variety of sites, many of which require additional attention and careful planning due to their scale. We have extensive experience in sites like these, such as our work in a mill conversion in Leeds and another large basement waterproofing in Islington.
Access was limited due to the scaffolding, which was at the time the largest internal scaffold system installed in Europe.
Solutions
A robust, bespoke waterproofing system was designed for the theatre’s basement in compliance with BS8102:2022.
The system included four dual battery pumping stations with individual alarm systems. Due to the scale of the reconstruction work, battery backup systems were installed for each station to ensure pumps would remain running.
A full cavity drain membrane was added to all the walls and floors, designed to manage water ingress by creating controlled drainage paths. Cavity drained systems do not require the potentially destructive preparation techniques that are usually associated with conventional render or slurry systems. A more careful approach meant that damage to existing structures was mitigated, an important precaution in conserving such a historic building.
A newly created lift pit waterproofing detail was also added to the elevator system. A preformed liner was sandwiched between concrete allowing lift engineers to drill internally without compromising the waterproofing.
Extensive mesh membrane plastering was put onto the basement surfaces in readiness for the contractor to decorate. Applying direct plaster onto the basement columns would have required taking the paint off first, a lengthy and costly process, so our technicians advised the use of a high density extruded membrane moulded in a stud formation. Studs hold the membrane away from areas being waterproofed allowing water to move freely behind the system and drain away.
Finally, a Radon Test kit was offered to our contractors, free of charge, to be placed in the basement and on the ground floor. In larger areas such as the basement, more detectors were recommended to provide a more thorough test radius.
Results
The entire system was installed in phases and robustly tested before being handed over to the main contractors for decorating and a fit out. Contractors told us that our team did a fantastic job with all systems up and operational on schedule. No damage was done to the existing structure.
This large and prestigious building is now set to open in Autumn 2025 with a line up of performing artists including Rob Brydon, Jo Whiley, Bill Bailey and Diversity.
Are You in Need of Property Care?
Our dedicated and experienced Leeds team is ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call at 0113 208 9146 or you can request a survey online.
