Huge expansion plans for NEC arena on hold after pandemic
PLANS for a massive expansion of the NEC Resorts World Arena which would see its capacity increase by thousands have been put on hold.
The plans, first revealed in March 2020, would see the NEC’s concert arena able to hold audiences bigger than London’s O2.
But a spokesperson for NEC Group, which runs the arena, said the scheme had been put on hold as a result of the pandemic.
The proposals would increase the capacity from 15,600 to 21,600 and were lodged with Solihull Council in March 2020.
At the time, it was said the changes to the Resorts World Arena would improve the ‘dated’ appearance of the destination.
As part of the project, a new roof was set to increase weight load capability and height clearance of the 40-year-old venue, ensuring “it continues to attract world-class entertainment for the next generation”.
In June, councillors gave their unanimous backing to the expansion.
But a spokesperson for the NEC group has told the Post the plans are still on hold.
The spokesperson said: “The project was put on hold last year due to Covid, so plans will be reviewed at a later date.”
Earlier this month, the NEC revealed plans for an urban village with 5,000 new homes, restaurants, shops and a school.
The NEC masterplan has the potential to create 3,500 jobs and, once complete, could be home to 11,000 people across the 67 acres of land next to the M42 in Solihull.
Chief executive Paul Thandi said: “The NEC Campus is home to one of the top exhibition venues and arenas in Europe and, together with existing partners, we have long held ambitions to create a competitive destination to work, rest, live and play.
“These partners have seen the potential of the site and now will help us drive further investment and prosperity to the region.
“Now is the time to be bold and ambitious about the future and harness the power of the real estate we have to offer while simultaneously maximising the benefits of having a young, diverse and entrepreneurial population.”