Steel tower an icon for £29m new arena
An iconic tower has been completed as part of the £29 million transformation of the LG Arena.
An iconic tower has been completed as part of the £29 million transformation of the LG Arena.
Bosses are hoping the tower, constructed from 200 pieces of steel, will become a landmark for the flagship venue at the NEC near Solihull.
Work will now begin on the next phase, which includes revamping the inside of the venue, which was formerly known as the NEC Arena, creating another 2,000 seats in the main arena bowl as well as new catering facilities, toilets and improving backstage facilities.
The redevelopment is scheduled to finish later this year with the new venue launched in October, with an increased capacity of 14,000.
New hospitality bars, restaurants and a party deck are expected to be completed shortly, with bosses saying that the overhaul is on course for its autumn relaunch.
Veteran rock band AC/DC were the last band to play the arena in its current format in April.
Over the years, the venue has attracted star acts from around the world.
The redevelopment scheme has been funded by a £25 million loan to The NEC Group from Birmingham City Council, and the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has also contributed £4m.
The former NEC Arena was rebranded last September following a sponsorship deal with technology giants LG Electronics.
Phil Mead, managing director of arenas at The NEC Group, said: "This is our second major milestone in the project and we're on time for the launch in October.
"The new arena bowl will be in the shape of a horse shoe,with brand new seating in a design focus that will create the ultimate entertainment experience for everyone who comes here.
"It will make the venue more flexible and create a theatre-style environment that will feel intimate – even though there will be tens of thousands of people around you," he added.
"The brand new and improved crew catering and backstage areas will also make sure we give artistes and promoters the best possible welcome to the West Midlands and create a legacy for this region for future generations."
