Plans for a new £350m arena in Manchester, to be delivered by Bam Construct, have been approved by the city council.
US developer Oak View Group gained permission for the scheme yesterday, with the project set to be the UK’s largest indoor arena.
Construction on the Populous-designed project is set to start in November with a 2023 opening date set for the venue. A statement from Oak View said 3,350 construction jobs will be created during the project.
The arena, which will hold 23,500 people, is on the city’s Etihad Campus, close to Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium.
Manchester councillor Pat Karney said: “Today’s decision is about confidence in our city, Greater Manchester and the North West. It is about new employment and training opportunities for thousands across East Manchester and beyond at a time when they are badly needed. The city centre, our communities and the wider city will be strengthened by our newest neighbour – Oak View Group Manchester. This is the next chapter in east Manchester’s regeneration.”
