Dramatic revamp of NIA to transform Birmingham's skyline
This artist's impression shows how Birmingham's skyline will dramatically change if a £20.6m revamp of the National Indoor Arena get the green light.
The revamp will see three 135 foot "sky needles" that will act as lighting sculptures at night.
They will be visible from across the city and aim to highlight the arena's presence in Birmingham.
The planning application has been submitted and NIA bosses hope to get approval by the end of October.
In a report to Birmingham planning chiefs by architects Broadway Malyan it states: "The NIA desperately needs a clear visual marker, not just for its entrance, but to indicate its presence to the wider city. The LG as its new entrance tower, visible from the motorway and railway. The O2 Arena has its dome. It is considered therefore that the NIA needs an icon to really emphasise its location and add to its image."
The reports states the largest of the three masts will be 85 feet above the glazed extension on the arena, making it 135 feet tall in all.
