HOK appointed to design ‘extensive transformation’ ahead of completion of rival Co-op Live venue next year
HOK has revealed its plans for a £50m redevelopment of Manchester Arena which aims to reinforce its position as one of the UK’s leading entertainment venues.
ASM Global, which manages and operates the 21,000-capacity city-centre arena, has appointed the practice to carry out an “extensive transformation” which is due to begin this summer. It comes at the same time as the construction of a larger, rival venue located on the city’s eastern fringes.
The 23,500-capacityCo-op Live arena, designed by Populous and developed by Los Angeles-based developer Oak View Group, is currently being built next to Manchester City’s Etihad stadium by BAM. It is scheduled to complete next year.
ASM Global said its plans for the Manchester Arena, which will celebrate its 27th anniversary in July, will include expanding standing capacity, new hospitality lounges and upgrades to the building’s concourse.
The scheme will also see the creation of new entrances, VIP seating, artist dressing rooms, production areas and catering spaces.
HOK sports and entertainment director John Rhodes said the renovation would incorporate the “latest and most impressive spectator offerings” to ensure the venue continues to attract performers “long into the future”.
ASM Global executive vice president Chris Bray added: “As we approach our 30th anniversary, this ambitious endeavour will reinforce the arena’s position as a leading destination for live entertainment and extend its market leadership for live experiences for the next 30 years.”
Stars due to perform at the arena this year include Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Snoop Dogg and George Ezra, The redevelopment is being planned to work around these events.
该场馆于1995年开放，是英国第一个拥有360度座位的场馆，每年吸引超过100万游客。由于赞助的原因，它现在被称为AO竞技场。
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