Detailed designs and cost plans for the proposed Leeds Arena are to go before the local authority for approval on 3 November.

Leeds City Council (LCC) confirmed that preparatory work had commenced on the project in September, with construction due to begin in early 2011 to deliver the Populous-designed venue. BAM Construction, which has been appointed by the council to deliver the scheme, is scheduled to complete work in time for a proposed opening date of late 2012.

Located at Claypit Lane, the new Leeds Arena is to be capable of accommodating 13,500 spectators and will ensure that seats are no more than 68m (223ft) from the centre of the stage. Richard Lewis, the council's executive member responsible for city development, said: "We are now in a position to move forward into the next phase of the Leeds Arena project, in anticipation of building work starting on site early next year.

"It will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the northern quarter of the city centre and landowners are now starting to bring forward proposals to take advantage of the economic opportunities arising from scheme." Image: Populous