WATCH: Manchester Arena is to undergo a major redevelopment turning it into Europe’s biggest indoor venue.
A new video, obtained by EG, showcases major changes to the 1995-built arena. The plans, which Manchester Arena operator ASM Global plans to put out for consultation this summer, coincide with its 25-year anniversary and will turn it into a 24,500-capacity arena, making it the largest indoor entertainment venue in Europe.
The video also shows a massive green roof on the arena, creating a new park in the built-up area around Manchester Victoria station, four new hospitality concourses and a new entrance to the arena. Designed by architects HOK, ASM said the the arena’s façade pays homage to Manchester’s symbolic worker bee.
John Sharkey, executive vice president of European operations for ASM Global, said: “This video represents an ambitious early stage vision for the redevelopment of our internationally-loved venue, created to mark our 25th anniversary year. These plans have been made public earlier than intended, as we are still in the process of consulting with Manchester City Council, our neighbours and landlord on the design – their input and involvement in this journey will be crucial.
“In particular, we’re working to ensure our final proposals fit with the council’s wider infrastructure planning. Our ambition throughout this process is to embed sustainability into every corner of the Arena, with the goal of becoming of one of the lowest carbon venues in Europe.”
The plans will directly compete with those from US-based Oak View Group, which last week closed its final consultation on rival plans for a new arena in the city. It wants to develop a 23,500-capacity venue in the city’s Eastlands area, just 2.5 miles away from Manchester Arena.
“Discover something you already know, fall in love all over again. Welcome to the transformed Manchester Arena,” states the video. “A new world-class arrival from ASM Global. A transformed venue for the community for the future, for Manchester. In the heart of the city, close to existing transport links, with new green spaces supporting our city’s carbon ambitions.”
Manchester Arena said Oak Views rival scheme would “devastate” Manchester city centre’s economy. An independent study for the arena by Grant Thornton and Oxford Economics found the Oak View proposals could put £114m of city centre visitor spend at risk.
The venue was the scene of tragic events on 22 May 2017 when 22 people died as the result of a terrorist attack during an Ariana Grande concert.
ASM Global is one the world’s leading venue management and services company, formed through the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG. The group has more than 300 venues across five continents. Most recently, it was appointed by Ask Real Estate and Patrizia to operate the 12,500-capacity Gateshead Quays venue. The £260m complex is expected to open in 2023.
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