Yet, being the only city region along with Bristol not to posess a large arena venue, Leeds has bypassed opportunities to consistently snag top touring talent, who instead have made detour visits to the Sheffield or Manchester.
The addition of a world-class venue would without doubt enable Leeds - the “capital city” of Yorkshire - to puff out its proveribial chest, enticing world famous acts with a new, convincing gusto.
After a consultation during the development of the Vision for Leeds 2004 to 2020, where both residents and businesses cited the construction of an arena a priority, the acquisition of one began to move from conception to reality.
The project was given the green light by Leeds City Council who will act as the lead developer. BAM have been selected as preferred contractor to construct the arena, with world-class operator SMG responsible for the operation of the venue once built.
The arena will have a number of unique features - the first being the design by Populous.
“The external design will be able to change colour - so it can be different colours for different events,” said project development officer Lee Arnell.
The interior is even more impressive.
Dubbed a “super-theatre”, every seat will guarantee a “perfect view” of the centre stage no matter where the spectator is sitting. The longest distance anybody will be from the stage is 68 metres - as opposed to 110m at a traditional arena.
Lee said: “It takes the best bits of a theatre design, magnifies it and puts it into an arena setting.
“You’re left with something special and unique and also something that’s never been done before in an arena in the UK. It’ll also have the best acoustic performance of any arena in the country as well as the best sightlines.”
Leeds Arena will possess full flexibility, with retractable seating that can be tucked away, enabling different configurations and layouts.
This means that all four sides could be laid out for boxing, while the venue can accommodate tennis and basketball.
So what acts can we expect to visit the arena?
“Leeds arena promises the best in world class entertainment and will offer something not currently seen in the Leeds area,” said Lee.
“That could include anything from Beyonce to Jay-Z to Muse, as well as shows like Peter Kay, Dancing on Ice, boxing, wrestling and UFC.”
Development of the arena will bring over 500 construction jobs and over 500 additional jobs once operation. It will also safeguard and create 2,000 jobs in the surrounding area as a result of redevelopment.
There are economic benefits too.
The arena is being funded by Leeds City Council with grant support from Yorkshire Forward. Just over 2/3rds of funding comes from commercial revenue generated by the project or through third parties.
For every pound of public sector investment, the economy will see a return of £2.80, and as a consequence of the arena, the council is seeing neighbouring landowners bring forward significant redevelopment and regeneration in the surrounding areas.
The first shows are expected to take place in 2013.
by Kane Fulton