‘Super theatre’ of UK will open in LEEDS

Aylin D. Miller

14 years ago

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LEEDS Arena will be open by 2012 – as planned. The arena is Leeds’ priority development and boasts a ‘super theatre’ layout giving audiences the best viewing experience inthe country.

The 12,500-seat arena is also expected to generate £25.5million per year for the local economy and will bring 450 jobs to the city.

With the Leeds Arena hosting some 110 world class entertainment events per year, it will be a huge boost to the city’s national and international profile. The scheme has overwhelming support, amid government delays with the provision of Yorkshire Forward funding for the project. An online survey and public consultation found 90 per cent of people supported it. In October, world class operators SMG Europe signed a lease agreement – providing Leeds City Council with a guaranteed 25-year rental payment – on the two-tier venue, where the furthest seat will be just 68 metres from centre stage. This compares to 95 metres away in typical arenas.

“I am excited by the innovative design and believe the new arena will really put Leeds back on the international entertainment stage,” said John Sutherland, managing director of SMG Europe.

Work is set to start on the site of Claypit Lane before the end of 2010. The venue is expected to be open in late

2012.

The £55million construction will protect more than 100 jobs in the local construction industry, create an extra 100 posts for local residents and provide potentially 90 apprenticeships.

Rob Wolfe of Construction Leeds said: “This approach in securing a building contractor for the arena will provide a real boost to the construction sector in Leeds and give confidence to local residents about future job and training opportunities.”

For more information, visit www.leeds.gov.uk and search for ‘Leeds Arena’.

Source: www.leeds.gov.uk

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