Express & Star

New glass front for £26m Birmingham NIA facelift

With its gleaming glass frontage and eye-catching curves, this spectacular artist's impression shows how Birmingham's National Indoor Arena will look after a £26 million revamp.

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Work on the development is due to start this month after the appointment of project contractor BAM Construction Ltd.

And the transformation will see the venue fitted with a new doubled-glazed glass frontage and feature three giant 'sky needles' emerging from its roof so it can be seen from across the city.

Almost 63,800 sq ft of new space will be created inside the building to allow for additional food and drink outlets as well as merchandising space. New unisex toilets which are to cater for the demographic of the audience will also be added.

Phil Mead from the NEC Group, which runs the NIA, said: "The NIA has a rich 21 year history in Birmingham, welcoming world-renowned singers, athletes, comedians and performers who all help to shine a light on what our city has to offer.

"This redevelopment is vital to ensure we continue to attract world-class artists to Birmingham and to offer our visitors the best experience possible." Mr Mead added: "We are delighted that work will start imminently to make the future NIA a reality for Birmingham, our visitors and clients."

Phase one of the work will centre on the redevelopment of key backstage areas of the NIA, including control room, medical and storage facilities, as well as production offices, crew catering facilities and dressing rooms.

Phase two of the scheme, starting next year, will include improvements on the hospitality suites.

Planning permission for the major facelift project was granted by Birmingham City Council last October.

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