Leeds arena: City centre site ‘front-runner’
THE site of a mothballed £275m regeneration scheme is believed to be one of the front-runners to become the home of the long-awaited arena in Leeds, TheBusinessDesk.com understands.
It is understood that the location, which had been earmarked for the mixed-use Brunswick Place scheme before its collapse earlier this year, is one of the preferred sites for the 12,500 seater concert venue.
The 1m sq ft area of Leeds city centre, which is located near the Merrion shopping centre off Clay Pit Lane and is owned jointly by Leeds City Council and Leeds Metropolitan University, consists of an unused university building and car park.
A source close to the matter said discussions were at an advanced stage about locating the arena at the 5.5 acre site.
A Leeds City Council spokesman said that he could neither confirm or deny that the location was being considered and could not give any further details of the planned site.
However, it is understood that Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds City Council are in discussions regarding the future of the land.
The Council spokesman added that the future of the arena would be discussed at a meeting of the Council’s executive board on November 5.
Other potential sites for the £50m concert venue include land at Elland Road.
Earlier this year, the City Council’s deputy leader, Coun Andrew Carter, said a shortlist of potential arena developers had been drawn up, with an announcement on the successful bidder and location expected by November.
SMG, the music industry giant which runs Manchester’s MEN Arena, was unveiled as the Council’s preferred operator in May.
Brunswick Place was scrapped in July after Castlemore Properties, the property developer and investor which was also to acquire the land, dropped out as developer of the scheme and decided not to proceed with the land purchase.
Castlefield was scheduled to develop Brunswick Place through its development arm, Spring.
At the time a Leeds City Council spokesman said the Council and the university were “considering their future options”.
Where do you think would be the best site for an arena in Leeds? What other options are available? Leave your comments below or on our dedicated Forum.
