SPECTACULAR NEW POPULOUS IMAGES OF LEEDS ARENA REVEALED

London -11 August 2010

The journey to deliver the Leeds Arena takes a giant step forward today as proposals for the building’s exterior design are revealed for the first time.

The stunning images, published today, are the first external design images of the 13,500 capacity arena designed by Populous, who have a track record of delivering high profile and complex development, such as the Emirates stadium, Silverstone circuit, Wimbledon Centre Court’s roof, and the O2 arenas in London, Dublin and Berlin.

John Barrow, Senior Principal of Populous says: “Our design team at Populous, led by project architect John Rhodes, has worked in close collaboration with the City Architect to respond to the outstanding vision of Leeds City Council. This facility will set new standards in England for sustainable multi-event arenas, and I hope that it will become the new heart of the City of Leeds.”

Leeds Arena will be a multi-purpose facility. The varying activities and occupancy levels require a flexible design which can be easily operated to meet the changing requirements of a diverse event schedule.

The arena is located in a city centre location, and will be the focal point of the regeneration of the city quarter. Part of the development includes a new public space which will form the primary entrance to the arena.

The intention is to heighten the customer experience with all seats facing the performance area: Consequently the users will be much closer to the action in the theatre style arena, with the rear seats being approximately 70m from the event focal point. The tighter spatial configuration allows opportunities to control the atmosphere and acoustics of the performance. The intention is to optimise the spectator comfort, convenience, safety and security.

The public outlined a desire for a building that was distinctive to Leeds and had environmentally friendly features, good acoustics, glazed panels and outside seating areas and this has all been carefully incorporated into the design. Every opportunity has been used to make the building as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. The roof collects rainwater to be re-used in the running of the building and an area will have a green sedum roof to help enhance the environment.