Online voices

STORY

Exciting plans for a new £80million 10,000-capacity arena in Sunderland city centre have been unveiled.

Gary Graham: Great idea and concept. But surely it makes sense to make the arena bigger so it will compete with others in attracting big names acts? Plus I hope transportation has been factored in.

Russell Dunbar: Brilliant news for the city centre.

Trevor Bone: Been saying for years we need a decent music venue to showcase all the great talent we have in Sunderland, instead of gigging out of town.

Kay Renwick: Exactly what the city needs, bring business back into the city centre too.

Sam Riches: Brilliant news for the city.

Patsy Murray: I no longer live in Sunderland but omg when I was last there, it was a derelict place. Any improvement is good but don't make it too expensive and out of reach.

Barry Holyoak: It’s got to be good news, the town centre is crying out for re development.

David Halliday: I am sure the £80million could be spent on more important things.

Dave Goldsmith: Great news – attract the best bands.

Yvonne Collins: This is fantastic news for the City. For the first time in ages I think we can actually look forward to the developments in the city centre.

Anthony Shields: I hope it brings in big metal bands.

Maureen Eley: How long will this last? Hopefully longer than the leisure centre. Seems like the Council are good at wasting our money.

Joshua Mcknight: Has there even been a venue that has had more than 500 people apart from the stadium?

Carole Burns: Brilliant news, so pleased more investment is being made in the City Centre.