Bradford Live, the organisation behind the regeneration of the Odeon, has appointed Bradford-born peer and social entrepreneur Lord Andrew Mawson as its patron.
Bradford Live is a not-for-profit distribution social enterprise, formed in 2012 to find a long-term viable use for the former Odeon building which has been derelict since 2000.
Its aims are to facilitate live music, entertainment, production, exhibition, cultural and artistic events for the public benefit and provide for social and community participation.
Cross-bench peer Andrew Mawson OBE has over 35 years’ experience as a social entrepreneur and is Executive Chairman of Well North, which aims to deliver better health and wellbeing in 10 towns and cities across the north of England, including Bradford.
“As a local lad, I’m absolutely thrilled to appointed as the Patron of Bradford Live,” said Andrew Mawson. “There is so much synergy between Well North and Bradford Live and part of my role will be to make links with some of the transformational projects already happening in Bradford – including the inspiring new Girlington health, education and enterprise campus.
“It’s all about building networks and partnerships and taking small practical steps together that people can touch and see makes a difference. The redevelopment of the Odeon, if we join the dots and connect it to local communities across Bradford, will be an important generator of jobs and skills in the city.”
Lee Craven, Director of Bradford Live, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew Mawson as our Patron. He brings a wealth of experience and proven success in the field of public/private partnerships, and will infuse this knowledge into the Bradford Live team. We’re looking forward to working with him.”