Leeds arena - the next generation in entertainment venue design

Stunning new images showing the internal layout and configuration of the new Leeds Arena have been unveiled today at MIPIM. The 'super theatre' design, which guarantees every seat in the house enjoys perfect sightlines, is a first for the UKand will see the 13,500 capacity arena set a new benchmark in arena design.

The Leeds Arena is the focus the keynote event for the city of Leedsat MIPIM 2010, with delegates at the world's biggest property and investment invited to meet the design team, developer and operator for the new 13,500 capacity Leeds Arena and find out about associated development opportunities.

A world beating team has been assembled to work on the arena, scheduled to open in 2012. SMG Europe, a world leader in the operation of indoor arenas, has signed a 25 year lease on the new entertainment venue which will be its flagship venue.

The arena will be developed by Leeds City Council with support from Jacobs, its strategic partner for the design and delivery of major construction and infrastructure projects. Global design practice Populous is supporting Jacobs in the design of the new arena. With a portfolio that includes the New Wembley, Arsenal's Emirates stadium, London's O2 and Dublinarena in portfolio, Populous is a recognised leader in the design of arenas and sporting venues.

Davis Langdon, one of the world's most experienced construction consultancies, has been appointed as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent for the arena to ensure the project is delivered to schedule and within budget.

An outline planning application has now been granted and the council is now close to announcing the preferred contractor to build the arena, with construction on course to start by the end of the year.

Detailed design work on the internal configuration of the arena is already at an advanced stage and features a unique 'super theatre' where the seats fan out from the stage. This guarantees that every seat enjoys perfect sightlines of centre stage with 68m the longest distance from the stage as opposed to 90-95m at a conventional arena. SMG will also seek to enter into a naming rights agreement with an organisation to sponsor the pioneering arena.

John Sutherland, managing director of SMG Europe, said:"This is a 'next generation' venue and the design will be the first of its kind in the UK. We expect the vast majority of shows to be live music and family entertainment events but it has in-built flexibility to allow a range of sports as well."

Jean Dent, Leeds City Council's director of city development said: "The new arena will have a huge impact in raising the profile of Leedsand the surrounding city region both nationally and on the European stage. Studies show there is massive untapped demand for a facility of this kind and it will have a huge impact on the economy and physical regeneration of the city."

According to economic impact assessments, development of the arena will provide a boost of up to £25 million a year for the economy and create up to 500 new jobs once it opens in addition to 500 construction jobs. The city centre arena is expected to generate over 1 million visitors a year.

Future development opportunities on the site will be brought to the market at a future date with two potential plots of c1,010m2 (0.25 acres) and a plot of c790m2 (0.195 acres). The aspiration is to create an integrated, vibrant destination for public use all year round.

The arena will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the city's Northern Quarter including the reinvigoration of the Merrion Centre's retail and leisure offer and the development of a 4 star hotel at Portland Crescentby Oxford Hotels. Leedsproperty company Town Centre Securities, which owns the Merrion Centre is redeveloping it as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment programme.

Landscape architects and urban design specialists Whitelaw Turkington have been commissioned to design the new public space around the arena by Jacobs.

Leedscivic architect John Thorp said: "The design team, the council as developer and the operator SMG Europe are committed to achieving a new benchmark in environmental design both in terms of public space around the arena and how it works as an entertainment venue.

"It is vital that the arena is integrated into the city centre both in terms of public space and as part of the city's leisure economy. Alongside other flagship developments such as the Trinity Leeds retail development by Land Securities, the arena will be a major attraction that will underscore the position of Leeds as one of the UK's leading cities."