Hull in the running for £30m concert arena
by Jak Phillips | 14 Apr 2014
The site could rival the nearby Leeds First Direct Arena, which has played host to stars such as Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart and Sir Elton John in the past year / Peter Astbury / Wikimedia Commons
Hull’s crowning as the UK City of Culture 2017 could be capped with a new £30m concert arena and hotel that the city hopes could hold major events like the BAFTAs and Brit Awards.
Hull City Council has reportedly identified two derelict city centre sites which could be used for an 8,000-capacity entertainment complex – with councillors due to meet BBC director general Tony Hall on Wednesday to discuss 2017’s programme of events.
A senior council source has been reported by local media as saying the city would bid to host national television events if the plans come to fruition, as well as rival Leeds’ new First Direct Arena in its ability to draw world-famous musicians. The Leeds venue has so far hosted stars such as Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart and Bruce Springsteen since launching in July 2013.
A Hull City Council spokesperson told Leisure Opportunities that although excitement for the 2017 landmark was mounting, projects like this were by no means a done deal and the council had yet to decide on a site.
“The city is looking forward to many exciting things for 2017 with many discussions currently taking place,” said a council statement.
“This is just one of a number of opportunities we are currently considering, but it is at a very early stage. As yet no decisions have been taken regarding a concert arena.”
The city has undergone a major regeneration in recent years as it seeks to bounce back from the decline of the area's fishing industry.
Attractions such the The Deep submarium and The Boom redevelopment of the waterfront have breathed new life into the northern city, culminating in the recent UK City of Culture gong being awarded.
Hull’s crowning as the UK City of Culture 2017 could be capped with a new £30m concert arena and hotel that the city hopes could hold major events like the BAFTAs and Brit Awards. Hull City Council has reportedly identified two derelict city centre sites which could be used for an 8,000-capacity entertainment complex – with councillors due to meet BBC director general Tony Hall on Wednesday to discuss 2017’s
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
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