HOK appointed to design 鈥榚xtensive transformation鈥� ahead of completion of rival Co-op Live venue next year
Manchester Arena is set to undergo a 拢50m redevelopment which aims to reinforce its position as one of the UK鈥檚 leading entertainment venues.
ASM Global, which manages and operates the 21,000-capacity city-centre arena, has appointed architect HOK to carry out an 鈥渆xtensive transformation鈥� which is due to begin this summer. It comes at the same time as the construction of a larger, rival venue located on the city鈥檚 eastern fringes.
The 23,500-capacity Co-op Live arena, designed by Populous and developed by Los Angeles-based developer Oak View Group, is currently being built next to Manchester City鈥檚 Etihad stadium by BAM. It is scheduled to complete next year.
ASM Global said its plans for the Manchester Arena, which will celebrate its 27th anniversary in July, will include expanding standing capacity, new hospitality lounges and upgrades to the building鈥檚 concourse.
The scheme will also see the creation of new entrances, VIP seating, artist dressing rooms, production areas and catering spaces.
HOK sports and entertainment director John Rhodes said the renovation would incorporate the 鈥渓atest and most impressive spectator offerings鈥� to ensure the venue continues to attract performers 鈥渓ong into the future鈥�.
ASM Global executive vice president Chris Bray added: 鈥淎s we approach our 30th anniversary, this ambitious endeavour will reinforce the arena鈥檚 position as a leading destination for live entertainment and extend its market leadership for live experiences for the next 30 years.鈥�
Stars due to perform at the arena this year include Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Snoop Dogg and George Ezra, The redevelopment is being planned to work around these events.
Opened in 1995, the venue was the UK鈥檚 first to be built with 360-degree seating and attracts more than 1 million visitors annually. It is now known as the AO arena for sponsorship reasons.
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