Gleeds begin £26 million revamp for Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena
Miranda Hart, Jack Whitehall and Lee Evans are just a few of the performers who look set to benefit from international management and construction consultancy, Gleeds’, work as cost manager to the £26 million redevelopment of the National Indoor Arena (NIA), Birmingham. The extensive revamp, which has just started, received the full backing of Birmingham City Council as aligned to its ‘Big City Plan’, designed to strengthen its’ international presence.
Phase 1 of the works is due to complete later this year and will see upgrades to key backstage areas of the venue, including; the control room, medical facilities, production offices, crew catering operations and dressing rooms. The refurbishment means that the venue will be able to offer the latest in technology and first-class amenities for promoters and artists. Phase 2 will include the provision of hospitality suites, expansion to the concourse and improved circulation areas.
Taking advantage of its’ canal-side location, the redesigned centre will boast a new glass-fronted façade and front-of-house showcase, adding almost 6,000 m2 of pre and post-show space to the 13,000 m2 redevelopment. As a result of the improvements standing capacity at the venue will increase to around 15,000 and seating capacity to 12,500. In addition, unique 'Sky Needles' located on top of the building have been designed to enhance the skyline of Birmingham, lighting up at night.
Commenting on the scheme, Main Board Director, Stuart Senior, said; “We are delighted to be involved in this extensive programme of renovations for the National Indoor Arena. It is vital that venues such as this continue to reinvent themselves in order to attract artists from around the world and to give audiences the very best experience possible. Gleeds has extensive experience in the leisure sector and we are confident in our ability to help make the vision for a new NIA, a reality”.
Phil Mead, Managing Director for the NIA, said: “The NIA redevelopment will ensure that the NEC Group continues to operate two world class arenas that continue to bring the best global entertainment to the region. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Gleeds who we are confident will help us make these very exciting aspirations for the NIA a reality.”
The full programme of works is expected to complete in winter, 2014.