CGI image of the new arena could look (Image: The Oak View Group (OVG))
Plans have been revealed today for a huge new arena in Manchester, Getintothis’ Lewis Ridley reports.
Plans to build the biggest indoor arena in the UK have been revealed today.
The 23,500 capacity venue would be built on the site of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium complex.
If plans come to fruition, it would overtake the city’s existing Manchester Arena and the 02 Arena in London to become the largest in the UK.
Subject to successful planning approval, set to be put before the city’s town hall this month, it would take three years to build and could host its first events as early as 2023 say the American firm behind it, the Oak View Group (OVG).
In an interview with the Manchester Evening News today, OVG‘s co-founder and Chief Executive Tim Leiweke said the new arena was a long-held ambition: “I’ve always been a huge fan of Manchester and we have been trying to figure this out for many, many years.”
Mogwai announce UK tour including Manchester Victoria Warehouse
“We’re grateful we finally have a site, we have a vision, and we have a partnership with the community to pull off building what we hope will the best arena ever built in Europe and the UK.”
It is said that OVG have the support of Manchester City Football Club, however the news has not been welcomed by the Manchester Arena and many in the city. They argue two venues of such a size would create friction in the city.
OVG argue that both Birmingham and London have multiple arena venues and the city deserves such a venture.
[paypal-donation]
