Leeds Arena keys passed to SMG Europe
LEEDS City Council has handed the Leeds Arena over to operator SMG Europe with the message that the venue is set to be the best new entertainment venue in the world this year.
The £60m arena is bringing with it a raft of jobs, international events and an expected big boost to the Leeds economy, the Council said.
US magazine Billboard recently hailed the 13,500-capacity venue as the most exciting this year globally.
Leeds City Council leader, Coun Keith Wakefield, said: “We want Leeds to be the best city in the UK and delivering this hugely-imaginative and highly-ambitious project on time and on budget in an incredibly-challenging economy demonstrates without doubt that we mean business.
“Our arena project is a superb example of the pivotal role a local authority can play in enabling a city’s transformation. It is bringing jobs, investment and visitors to our city and I cannot speak highly enough of the dedication, flair and sheer hard work that have been the hallmark of the Leeds Arena scheme, from inception right through to completion.
“Thanks to this commitment and professionalism from the council, its officers, construction contractor BAM, SMG Europe and our partners across the city and beyond Leeds will have the world-class venue it deserves. I would like to wish SMG the very best of luck as they set to work in getting it on the map.”
John Sutherland, managing director at SMG Europe, said: “It’s been a great pleasure to work so closely with Leeds City Council on a development of such scope and importance to the city, the region and, to an extent, the UK.
“Our team, who have already been heavily involved in the project’s cultivation to date, are incredibly committed to responsibly leading Leeds Arena into its launch, its opening season and beyond, whilst continuing to deliver the high quality entertainment experience that its audience deserves.”
Council-owned Woodhouse Lane car park has recently had a multi-million-pound refurbishment to make it ready to be one of the official arena event car parks.
Surrounding roads have also been improved and Lovell Park Bridge – one of the key routes to and from the arena – has recently re-opened after strengthening work.
SMG Europe will run Leeds Arena and will be responsible for all operational matters, with the council acting as landlord.
They will spend the next few months fitting out the eye-catching super-theatre style venue to their requirements in time for the first Leeds Arena show by Bruce Springsteen on July 24.
This will be followed by an opening showcase fortnight spearheaded by Elton John on September 4 and featuring classical superstar Andrea Bocelli, comedian Micky Flanagan and local heroes Kaiser Chiefs.
