Residents’ first look at new arena design
RESIDENTS have been given a first glimpse of what a proposed new indoor arena next to the Etihad Stadium might look like.
A US entertainment firm is carrying out a feasibility study into plans for a second arena in Manchester with a capacity of up to 21,000, which could stage concerts and indoor sporting events such as boxing and Mixed Martial Arts.
It has begun a first phase of public consultation with those living nearby in Bradford, Beswick and Clayton, which finishes today.
As part of that it has revealed the proposed location, on a patch of wasteland next to the Ashton Canal on the Bradford side of the stadium, at the side of Joe Mercer
Way which links the car park to the City superstore and tram stop. The firm has also released an early artist’s impression of what it could look like.
The sketch shows a multitiered arena which may also include shops and restaurants.
The consultation website drawn up by the Oak View Group (OVG) says: “Arenas have evolved rapidly in recent years, with built-in design features now expected as standard to manage noise issues, enhance security and manage the flow of visitors.
“Our ambition is for a large, enclosed venue which makes use of cutting-edge design and technology, as well as first-class customer service to provide a truly outstanding event experience for a multitude of events.
City said in a statement: “The City Football Group is working with OVG as part of its commitment to continuing the growth of Eastlands and the Etihad Campus as a thriving community and world-leading sporting and leisure destination.”
However, SMG, the firm behind the existing 20,000 capacity Manchester Arena, attached to Victoria Station, believe a rival venue could put them out of business.
“There is not a market for two 20,000 capacity venues,” SMG executive vice-president of European operations John Sharkey told the M.E.N. in June.
More detailed plans are set to be drawn up ahead of a second phase of consultation expected to take place later this year.