Almost 200 jobs to be created as Resorts World expansion plans get green light
The go-ahead has been given to significantly expand the Resorts World Arena at the NEC campus after Solihull Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously backed the plans last night.
The move will mean the NEC Group will increase the venue’s capacity by 6,000 to 21,600, but because of the impact of Covid-19 this will not now be in place in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Around 220 part-time jobs will be created.
“This is great news, as now more than ever we need to look at the longevity of our business,” said Guy Dunstan, NEC Group Arenas managing director.
“We are excited we’ll be able to still host most of the events we’ve missed over the last few months and cannot wait to play our part in what will be an historic Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“To accommodate the revised event dates and negate any potential delay to the Games, we have reviewed the project timelines and made the decision to reschedule the works until after the Games have finished.”
A council document published ahead of the meeting said: “The proposal would clearly support the NEC function and have enhance the offer.
“The Arena extension would have significant economic benefits allowing the Arena to increase its capacity and to remain competitive and successful, which in turn would maximise the economic benefits for the area, and indeed region.
“The proposal therefore accords with the provisions of Policy P1 of the Solihull Local Plan and the requirements for sustainable growth set out in the NPPF and significant weight should be attached to the matter in the planning balance.
“The proposals could also fit with the NEC masterplan ambitions for Lakeside. Here, the NEC Masterplan intends tobring together different facets of the NEC to create the next generation in leisure entertainment and business destinations and create a new asset that will propel the regions global standing.
“The plan responds to the growing need for the region to have internationally competitive opportunities for investment and offers attractive to a wide audience.
“The applicants report that this proposal to increase the capacity of the Arena is absolutely necessary to ensure that the NEC continues to provide a premier venue that can cater for a wide audience.
“The proposed development creates a quality building that would significantly enhance the design quality of built environment of the area within the boundary of the NEC.
“The building has been aligned to provide strong geometry to the Piazza and will enhance the approach to this main entrance into the exhibition halls.”
