Leeds Arena | U/C [Archive]

aviator

August 10th, 2005, 04:55 PM

From today's YEP:

Entertainment dream comes a step closer

By Paul Robinson

LEEDS has taken a significant step towards making its entertainment arena dream a reality, it was revealed today. Civic leaders were last night given their first glimpse of a long-awaited report on the development of new cultural facilities in the city.

It told them what most people have known for years - that Leeds needs an arena to keep pace with other regional heavyweights like Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle. The feasibility study's findings were endorsed at yesterday's meeting of the Leeds Initiative, an influential public-private partnership comprising representatives from the council and the city's corporate, education, health and voluntary sectors.

A major public consultation exercise will now be carried out over the next 10 weeks or so before the local authority decides if it should begin the serious business of trying to secure funding. In their report, consultants PMP make three key recommendations. They are:
l a 13,000-seater arena costing about £50m;
l new conference and exhibition facilities to stand alongside the arena;
l a £20m investment that would turn Leeds Town Hall into a world-class classical music venue.

Those findings were welcomed today by Tom Morton, chairman of the Leeds Initiative's cultural facilities task group and president of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce. He said: "This is a very thorough report which is both ambitious and realistic. We know there is a strong commercial case and popular demand for an arena - but we will still want people's comments and support."

PMP, whose 10-month study was funded by the council and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, have already looked at a number of potential sites for the proposed complex. Exact details on the locations in the frame are not being made public yet, however. It is likely that the various schemes would be paid for with a mix of public and private cash. The YEP revealed in March that London-based businessman Patrick Nally was looking to build a £65m arena at Clarence Dock.

He insists no public money would be required for his project – but has also said he will only press ahead if he is convinced he has the council's general backing. It was not clear today what bearing, if any, the report would have on his plans. The lack of a top-flight concert venue means big names like REM and Destiny's Child are currently forced to give the city a wide berth when they head out on tour.

di Livio

August 10th, 2005, 05:39 PM

The lack of a top-flight concert venue means big names like REM and Destiny's Child are currently forced to give the city a wide berth when they head out on tour.[/I]

Oh, it's not just the lack of a top-flight concert venue. :)

Chris Silverwood

August 10th, 2005, 05:47 PM

Dear All,

Please find below the full text of the press release issued by the Leeds Initiative earlier today.

We intend to make a full statement to the press later this week, however in keeping with our promise to inform the users of this message board at the earliest opportunity, I would comment on the release as follows.

We are obviously extremely pleased that the feasibility study has been completed and recommended that the council, in conjunction with private sector partners, should now progress to develop an arena in Leeds.

In my opinion the salient points in relation to our proposed arena are as follows

* Our proposed arena cannot be compared to any current arena that exists in the UK. The level of technology and the quality of the food & beverage offering, as well as the hospitality facilities are exceptional. We expect levels of discretionary spend to be much higher than those at existing UK arena's. By discretionary spend, we mean that we expect people to arrive earlier and stay later and as such spend more on merchandising and food & beverage.

* We require no public sector funding whatsoever. We will fund the detailed planning application, the build cost and the operation of the arena.

* To date we have spent more than £1 million of our own money in relation to the Leeds Arena, which we hope illustrates our dedication to this project.

* We have been through this process already in Croydon. Stadi Varios Ltd, a company controlled by Patrick Nally, our CEO, has achieved preferred bidder status and once land issues have been resolved, we expect to be on site, ready to begin construction.

* We look forward to playing an active part in the public consultation process and are confident that we will be confirmed as the preferred bidder for Leeds Arena.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Director
Leeds Arena Limited

3 Park Square
Leeds
LS1 2NE
Tel (07968) 986655

E : Chris.Silverwood@LeedsArena.com
W: www.LeedsArena.com

*****************************************

NEWS RELEASE
AUGUST 1O 2005

Study recommends an arena for Leeds
Conference and exhibition facilities also feasible

The feasibility study into new cultural facilities for Leeds has been completed and findings state that an arena development to seat about 13,000 people is commercially viable with significant demand, plus developer and promoter interest. Of all the options examined in the 10 month long study, the arena is considered the one to have the maximum positive economic impact for the city. The consultants estimate the capital cost of an arena at around £50m and project it would have an economic impact of £28m a year.

In addition, the consultants’ report stated that with substantial further investment of between £10m and £20m the Town Hall provides the best, most appropriate and affordable classical music facility for the city, as a new concert hall would cost at least £75m and is difficult to achieve without a major source of funding which they say is currently not available.

A summary of the findings will be published soon to seek support amongst the public and interested organisations across Leeds.

Other highlights of the report include:

· conference and exhibition facilities (of a type) not to compete with Harrogate directly) would be a significant commercial benefit to the city and are best provided alongside either the arena or a mid-size venue.

·A mid-size venue (2,700-3,500 capacity) provides facilities that are required by the city, but would create affordability difficulties if an arena and the Town Hall redevelopment were supported.

· a new concert hall could create a significant iconic building for the city, but there are alternative facilities that provide greater access, large audience appeal and value for money to the city. A new hall could be financed via a ‘Cultural Fund’ but the report says that commercial support for the proposition remains to be demonstrated.

The combination of an arena, upgraded Town Hall and conference and exhibition facilities could be delivered across the city, says the report, and would encourage Leeds to move up a league, maximise its regional capital status and provide significant facilities for all parts of the Leeds residents and business communities.

A Cultural Facilities Task Group, which was set up by the Cultural Partnership of the Leeds Initiative to oversee the feasibility study, has now received the consultants’ report and findings and has made several recommendations which were endorsed by the full board and executive of the Leeds Initiative on Tuesday night( August 9).

The Task Group recommends that the City Council, in conjunction with private sector partners, facilitates the development and funding of an arena with associated conference and exhibition facilities, and seeks substantial further investment to upgrade Leeds Town Hall to a first class symphonic music venue of international standing.

It goes on to recommend that that the City Council concentrates on these two recommendations in the short term and not abandon plans for a stand-alone new concert hall or mid-size venue, but that further consideration of these projects be deferred until the impact in practice of the Arena and Town Hall developments can be assessed.

The Task Group says that a summary of the findings and recommendations are to be published in order to seek support amongst the Leeds public, cultural and business sectors.

Commenting on the findings, Tom Morton, chairman of the Cultural Facilities Task Group and president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce said: “This is a very thorough report which is both ambitious and realistic. We know there is a very strong commercial case and popular demand for an arena and I expect many people will want the city to proceed as quickly as possible, but we still want people’s comments and support. In our view the report also makes a good case for an upgraded Town Hall.

“Leeds is already a culturally rich city, currently enjoying a £150m investment in cultural and leisure facilities and with much to be proud of. I believe that given support and by working together we can turn these recommendations into reality.” added Tom Morton.
Full details of the consultation have yet to be announced, but it is planned that a summary of the findings will be available and a special web site and email address set up for people to comment on over the next 8-10 weeks.
The feasibility study was originally commissioned following the publication of Vision 2004 -2020, the long term plan for the city produced by the Leeds Initiative, the city’s public private sector partnership. New and better music facilities were one of the top five issues expressed by the public and businesses in Leeds during city-wide consultation for the Vision. They were subsequently made one of the priorities in the Vision’s plan to help Leeds ‘go up a league’ as a regional capital and European city.

The study was carried out by PMP, a leading specialist consultancy in the leisure market, and was funded by Leeds City Council and Yorkshire Forward. It was carried out in three phases and involved at the outset consultations with over 200 representatives of the arts, sports and tourism and related organisations, the business sector, local media organisations, the voluntary sector, local and national politicians and adjacent local authorities. The full remit of the study has been to establish the level of demand for new music and associated facilities in Leeds and to provide an assessment of the commercial viability, funding implications, physical requirements and impact on existing provision in Leeds and the region.

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Andrew McKeon, AJM Public Relations 0113 293 9950. 07802 484 155.

Notes to editors:

The Cultural Facilities Task Group consists of representatives from the public and private sector including Leeds Cultural Partnership, Leeds Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Leeds City Council (Development and Learning & Leisure Departments), Leeds Property Developers’ Forum, Leeds International Music Centre Trust, Yorkshire Culture and Yorkshire Forward.

Leeds Cultural Partnership
Early in 2003 the Leeds Initiative, launched a new cultural partnership and strategy to put all things cultural, from sports to the arts and recreation, at the heart of the city’s future progress and development. Already £150m is earmarked for investment in new cultural and sporting facilities in Leeds, including a new theatre and museum, international swimming pool, refurbishment of the Grand Theatre, and the restoration of Roundhay and Kirkstall parks. The need to provide additional flagship facilities and attractions for the city that can host large national and international events is a key part of the cultural strategy and of the second Vision for Leeds, the Leeds Initiative’s long-term plan for the city as a whole.

Continued…..

PMP
PMP is the largest professional services company in the UK specialising in the culture, leisure and sport sectors. More recently these services have been expanded into related market sectors such as entertainment, social care, health and education.

The company now has over 80 staff with four regional offices (London, Guildford, Cheshire and Edinburgh) and provides strategic advice to National and local Government, the private sector and a wide range of international clients

Issued on behalf of the Leeds Initiative by AJM Public Relations

Leeds Initiative August 12 2005
Sally Corcoran, communications officer, (0113) 247 8944
E-mail: sally.corcoran@leeds.gov.uk
www.leedsinitiative.org
Li/o5/cftg/dftrel.

Chris Silverwood

August 11th, 2005, 05:15 PM

SPECIAL RELEASE

10 August 2005
LEEDS ARENA LTD

COMMENT BY PATRICK NALLY OF LEEDS ARENA LTD ON TODAY'S NEW RELEASE BY LEEDS CULTURE, HEADED "STUDY RECOMMENDS AN ARENA FOR LEEDS".

Leeds Arena Ltd was pleased to read today's announcement by Leeds Culture that an Arena for Leeds is not only recommended but would be commercially viable and have a significant economic impact on Leeds annually. We have been encouraging the City of Leeds to accept this principle for some period of time and are delighted that it has now been confirmed by independent consultants. Our concern now is how the City is to implement this opportunity, having been involved previously in a protracted and expensive tender process that did not result in a Leeds Arena being built.

For our part, we look forward to meetings with the City, who made a commitment to us to spend the necessary time and resource to review our Arena proposal if their consultants confirmed that an Arena was viable.

As Leeds Arena Ltd is not seeking any direct financial grant from the City, we are looking to establish a cooperative approach with the City to proceed with what will be a substantial financial investment into Leeds. The style of Arena we are proposing for Leeds is very different to the other arena facilities currently available in the UK. Unlike the arenas in Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle which are utilitarian in approach, our Arena has been designed as a state-of-the-art multi-use venue very much along the lines of the new facilities recently built in Hamburg and Helsinki and the impressive Air Canada Center in Toronto.

This new style of Arena facility will make a major iconic statement and attract the world's top events to Leeds. It will give the City a global presence and support its position as a regional capital city.

Our Arena Design Architects, Stadium Consultants International Inc of Toronto ("SCI"), have experience in developing 50 of the greatest ice-based facilities in the world. In addition to the Air Canada Centre, they have recently been appointed for the major $250m renovation of Madison Square Garden, New York.

Our Arena facility is designed to provide a total event experience for the spectator, with key features including a quick event turnaround, high quality food and beverage offerings and a range of corporate facilities. The Arena also boasts an interactive 'smart seat' auditorium which can, in itself, be used as a mid-size venue for a capacity of 2,500 to 3,000 seats. With SCI, we have also been working on the development of a new capability to structure a smaller auditorium within the Arena that will provide symphony standard acoustics.

We, at Leeds Arena Ltd, believe our Arena will be positive benefit for Leeds, which will also complement the proposed additional investment into the Town Hall and any conference and exhibition facilities that may ultimately be developed by the City.

There are not many companies with either the experience or the knowledge of developing such projects, and it is our hope that the City will avoid the temptation of another long drawn-out tender process especially when, in Leeds Arena Ltd, they have a locally based and financially supported group that has the expertise and the proven track record to move forward immediately with the City to fund, finance and develop a state of the art Arena facility.

We note there is to be a public consultation over the next 8 to 10 weeks, and it is interesting that during the 10 months since we set up our own web site - www.leedsarena.com, we have had a strong response from both the public and local businesses in Leeds, fully supporting and endorsing our proposal to deliver a Leeds Arena.

We are excited and delighted by today's announcement, and look forward to hearing from the City to organise some early meetings.

Patrick Nally, Leeds Arena Ltd
10 August 2005

jimbo

August 12th, 2005, 12:07 AM

good to see that this is moving forward....... we still don't know the exact site location though. I see that the old Chemical works have been cleared....... but it seems more a sinuous site not exactly suited to an arena which I presume would be as wide as it is long (as the term goes).

Skychaser 2005

August 14th, 2005, 11:07 PM

YEP reports the following:

Let me build your new music arena, says boss
By Paul Robinson

AMBITIOUS businessman Patrick Nally today urged council chiefs to give him a clear run at providing Leeds with the 21st century concert arena it so badly needs.
A report to civic leaders this week concluded that the construction of a 13,000-seater entertainment complex would make financial sense, and reinforce the city's reputation as one of the UK's regional heavyweights.
That news came as no surprise to Mr Nally, who has spent the last two years – and several hundred thousand pounds – working on plans to build an arena at Clarence Dock.
And he now wants the council to quickly nail its colours to his company's mast, rather than risk further delay and expense by inviting expressions of interest from all and sundry.
Mr Nally said: "It is our hope that the city avoids the temptation of a drawn-out tender process when, in ourselves, it has a group with the expertise to move forward immediately to finance and develop a state-of-the-art facility."
He added that, having been involved with a lengthy but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to build an arena at Leeds United's Elland Road ground in the late 1990s, he was especially wary of this scheme getting bogged down by red tape.
Partnership
London-based Mr Nally is adamant he would be able to make the Clarence Dock project happen using private sector funding alone, at a price of £65m.
This week's study estimated that the cost of a Leeds arena would be closer to £50m – although it is thought that following all its recommendations would require at least some public cash.
In addition to its support for an arena, the report also called for as much as £20m to be spent on bringing Leeds Town Hall up to scratch as a classical music venue.
The cultural facilities feasibility study was carried out by consultants PMP over a period of 10 months for the Leeds Initiative, the city's influential public-private strategic partnership.
A major consultation exercise is due to take place over the next eight weeks or so, before the council decides how best to act upon the report's findings.
Leeds's lack of a top-class entertainment arena means tours by star names like U2 and Oasis currently bypass the city in favour of places such as Manchester and Sheffield.
The council's deputy leader, Coun Andrew Carter, responded to Mr Nally's comments by making it clear that the city would NOT be slamming the door on other potential bidders.
Coun Carter said: "I am pleased to hear of his continued interest, but he's not the only fish in the sea. We have to get the best possible deal for the people of Leeds."
13 August 2005

Good Luck Patrick/Chris, we really need this to come off. It will be great for Leeds and the region

aviator

August 25th, 2005, 05:54 PM

From today's YEP:

"Decision on arena expected in weeks

By Paul Robinson

THE decision that will make or break Leeds's concert arena dream could be just weeks away, the YEP has learned. Council chiefs were presented with a report earlier this month which urged them to give the green light to the building of a multi-million pound entertainment complex in the city. Now it has emerged that senior figures at the local authority could be ready to make an announcement on the project's future by the middle of October.

One council source said today: "There's a real desire for quick progress on this. Things are gathering pace nicely." This month's cultural facilities report was put together by consultants PMP for the Leeds Initiative, the city's influential public-private strategic partnership. It concluded that the construction of a 13,000-seater arena would make financial sense, and reinforce Leeds's reputation as one of the UK's regional heavyweights.

A public consultation exercise is due to be carried out before the council decides whether to act on PMP's recommendations. If the local authority chooses to press ahead with the scheme, it would then set about the task of securing funding and selecting a suitable site and developer. But, as the YEP revealed earlier this year, London-based businessman Patrick Nally is already waiting in the wings with his own proposals for a Leeds arena.

Mr Nally wants to build a huge indoor bowl at the city centre's Clarence Dock - and insists he would be able to do it without the need for any public cash. However, he also wants the council to commit itself to his project as soon as possible, rather than invite expressions of interest from all and sundry. Mr Nally held what are being described as "encouraging" talks with the authority's deputy leader, Coun Andrew Carter, at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday.

Coun Carter has previously made it clear that the city will not be rushed into an agreement with Mr Nally or any other developer without first looking at every available option. Leeds's lack of a top-class concert venue means tours by star names such as the Rolling Stones and Oasis currently bypass the city in favour of rivals like Manchester and Sheffield."

Chris Silverwood

September 6th, 2005, 01:12 PM

Developer's sporting vision for £65m arena plan

Exclusive By Paul Robinson
SQUEAMISH sports fans should look away now – the fast and furious world of professional ice hockey could be heading for Leeds. Businessman Patrick Nally says he wants to give the city a side to compete with the Sheffield Steelers and the game's other leading British clubs.

The team's home matches would be played at the 12,000-seater entertainment arena which Mr Nally is hoping to build at Clarence Dock, close to the Royal Armouries. He is thought to be aiming to hold talks in the next few weeks with Ice Hockey UK, the game's governing body.

A source close to him told the YEP today: "We're convinced this would fill a gap in what is one of our greatest sporting cities.
"Everyone is justly proud of the achievements of Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Tykes – given time, an ice hockey side could prove every bit as popular."

London-based Mr Nally wants his new team to be part of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), the sport's equivalent of football's Premiership.
Its members include the Cardiff Devils, the Belfast Giants, the Newcastle Vipers, and the Edinburgh Capitals, as well as the Sheffield Steelers.

It is not yet clear what name would be given to the Leeds side if his plans come off. His aides believe the likely £1m-plus cost of launching the club could be met through sponsorship and other arena-related income.

Eamon Convery, chairman of the EIHL, gave news of Mr Nally's interest a cautious welcome today. He said any application to join the league would be dealt with on its own merits, taking into account factors like fan catchment area and the quality of the team's home venue.

Mr Nally's plans for a Leeds arena were first revealed by the YEP in March. Its main hall would function as an ice rink on a day-to-day basis, but could be easily transformed for so-called "dry floor" events like concerts and conferences.

The developer says the private sector funding he has in place means no public cash would be required for the £65m scheme. However, he is also adamant he will only press ahead if he gets the general backing of the council.
Bosses there are currently studying an independent report which said an arena would make financial sense for Leeds.

The local authority could decide as early as next month whether it wants to begin the process of trying to build such a complex. But senior councillors stress that they cannot commit themselves without looking at all the available options, which could include rival bids from other developers.

paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk

Fred2

September 6th, 2005, 02:17 PM

Nothing to add to this YEP article ?

Metrolink

September 6th, 2005, 02:19 PM

If I remember correctly (things may have changed since the demise of the Superleague) but Leeds would have to pay Sheffield some money to join the EIHL since Sheffield own the Yorkshire franchise.

daveylad2

September 6th, 2005, 03:12 PM

If I remember correctly (things may have changed since the demise of the Superleague) but Leeds would have to pay Sheffield some money to join the EIHL since Sheffield own the Yorkshire franchise.

Leeds Sporting did last time, I'm not sure what the situation is now?
It looks as though you can just apply to join the league.

Leeds Lasers
Leeds, Yorkshire, England. Superleague franchise awarded on 7 December 1996. Leeds Ice Hockey Club Ltd was sold by the original franchise holders (the Caspian Group) to Leeds Sporting, owners of Leeds United football club. Leeds Sporting scrapped plans for the club and a 14,000 seat arena at Elland Road when they announced their annual accounts in October 2000. The group Chairman, Peter Ridsdale, said that Leeds Sporting had sold the ice hockey franchise but did not give the name of the buyers.

Ridsdale ->:bash: <- me

Leeds No.1

September 7th, 2005, 08:01 PM

http://www.leedsinitiative.org/default.asp?initiativeIdentifier=20021224_3292263&subSectionIdentifier=2005831_536083401&expand=true email comments to the address stated on this website.

Skychaser 2005

September 8th, 2005, 01:49 AM

http://www.leedsinitiative.org/default.asp?initiativeIdentifier=20021224_3292263&subSectionIdentifier=2005831_536083401&expand=true email comments to the address stated on this website.

Just done it, and this is what I said:

Questions:

1 Would you use an arena in Leeds for music, entertainment or sports events?
2. Should we improve Leeds Town Hall to make it a first-class international concert venue?
3 Does Leeds need conference and exhibition facilities?

Answers:

1 You Bet! This city has been waiting too long for a decent concert venue. Traveling to Manchester or Sheffield to see our favourate groups is a real pain. Why should we spend our money in other cities?. Why can’t Leeds attract the big names in the pop world? Lets keep the economy of this area strong by keeping revenue within this area.

2. This is a great idea. One of the Uk’s most famous buildings would be a fine venue for a top class concert hall on a more intimate scale than an Arena. Can you imagine London, Paris or Rome missing out on an opportunity to develop a world class concert hall in one of their finest public buildings!

3. Any major Uk or European city has the facility for major events, exhibitions and conference facilities. How are you going to fill all our new hotels if we do not encourage such important business opportunities to come to our fair city.

Most Uk cities were asking questions like these 10 or 15 years ago. Indeed the most progressive cities would not have even thought about asking them. They already knew the answers! I believe the idea of Leeds not having a major concert venue is rather like Leeds not having a cinema. It is a fundamental part of the leisure experience of the city. Without it, the cultural heart of Leeds has had a great deal missing- with it, Leeds is offering its citizens an all round leisure experience which will bring millions of pounds of revenue to the city.

Good Luck LCC- and please don’t let this opportunity go the way of Elland Road.

Fred2

September 8th, 2005, 09:50 AM

I am a bit dubious about making the Town Hall into a first class concert hall. Whatever money is thrown at it the constraints of having to make it physically within that building will be too much. Issues such as large enough audience space and /or acoustics will be difficult to address. Besides there is probably no way that they will be allowed to alter the Victoria Hall significantly - surely that must be listed? The famous pianist Alfred Brendel called it "hideous, visually and acoustically" To be fair, it has been improved since then but I am very jealous of Birmingham Symphony Hall and Manchester Bridgewater Hall !
Incidentally, other use is currently being made of the Town Hall. For example, I only found out fairly recently that the Register Office has moved there from Belgrave Street - and that must take up many rooms. When I visited there about a month ago there was no sign outside to announce the fact that it was in the Town Hall, and it had already been there months !

MikeinLeeds

September 8th, 2005, 11:23 AM

Here's my own contribution, just sent:

I write in response to your request for comments about the possible development of an arena in Leeds.

Whilst I cannot comment on the commercial reality of running an arena I certainly believe that the benefits to a local economy from the presence of an arena can be very substantial if the right design is achieved and if the right location is selected. As a regular visitor to the MEN arena in Manchester, which is located close to the city centre, I have witnessed first hand just how much trade is given to local businesses such as hotels and restaurants when events are held at the arena. Contrast this though with the arena in Sheffield (which I attend much less frequently, mainly due to its very poor seating) where it seems to me that much less trade is given to local businesses primarily due to the fact that it is stuck in the middle of nowhere - as such, I always drive there and drive straight back again, without contributing anything to the local economy (unlike when visiting the Manchester arena, when I almost always stay overnight and enjoy the other benefits offered within the city centre, such as a wide range of restaurants, shops and museums).

In short, I believe that an arena in Leeds could be a huge boost to the local economy, if built in the right location i.e very close to the city centre - Clarence Dock would certainly work, as it would help build up another cultural destination in its own right, with the armouries and planned city museum close by.

But PLEASE do not even think about building an arena on the edge of the city, such as at Elland Road. This would be a catastrophic wasted opportunity. As one of a growing number of people living in the city centre I can say categorically that I would be a regular user of an arena in the city centre, but I would be much less likely to use it if located elsewhere. And the "buz" created within a city centre when crowds arrive ahead of an event would clearly be lost if a peripheral location were selected. Wider travel and environmental considerations must also be thought through - a city centre location (within which I would certainly include Clarence Dock, but not much further afield) would enable people to arrive by public transport; a peripheral location would make it much more likely that people would travel by car.

So get on and build it - to a high standard of design and comfort and within very close proximity to the city centre!

Fred2

September 8th, 2005, 11:53 AM

Apropos suitable city sites in the city centre - and I am not here necessarily suggesting suitablity either for an arena or conference/exhibition centre - I am surprised that the large site by the river, near TGF and Casino and Staples,owned by Evans of Leeds, has been vacant for such a long time. I wonder why.

Leeds No.1

September 8th, 2005, 06:16 PM

I bet it will developed very soon. Mayfair, the new hotels, casinos...etc make it a prime site.

Chris Silverwood

September 9th, 2005, 03:54 PM

Ken Enters The Arena
United chief puts case for Elland Road concert venue
Exclusive
By Paul Robinson
LEEDS United chairman Ken Bates today said: "This city needs an arena – and it MUST be at Elland Road."
Bates believes land next to the ground would be the perfect home for the 13,000-seater entertainment complex currently being considered by Leeds City Council.
Officials there are understood to have been given a shortlist of around 10 potential sites for such a venue.
But Bates has already put the case for Elland Road to council chiefs. And the former Chelsea supremo is travelling to China next month as part of a business delegation that will include council leader Mark Harris, and will use the opportunity to state his case once again.
Speaking in his Elland Road office, he said: "Leeds needs an arena and the place to put it is here, no question about it." He said United, still recovering from £100m debts, would not plough their own cash into the scheme.
But he says the city council and its backers would more than get their money's worth from linking up with the high-profile Leeds United brand.
"It is a name known around the country and around the world - the perfect start for a project of this nature," said Bates.
An arena is just part of Bates's masterplan for Elland Road. He also wants to see hotels, new conference facilities and a railway stop – an ambition that echoes the Chelsea Village development he put in place at his previous club. He even has a name in mind for the complex – Elland City.
In the late 1990s, the owners of United, Caspian, drew up plans for an arena which foundered due to a lack of funds.
The city is preparing to commit itself to the construction of a £50m arena. Consultants PMP last month said the project would make financial sense, and maintain Leeds's position as one of the UK's regional heavyweights.
The local authority is expected to make a decision by the end of this year.
• Ken Bates wants the council to overhaul the drainage system around Elland Road, saying parts of the site suffer flooding after spells of heavy rain.
The ticket office, the learning centre and sections of the John Charles West Stand have all been affected, and Bates says improvements are a "prerequisite" of meaningful progress on any arena project.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk

09 September 2005

Chris Silverwood

September 9th, 2005, 04:03 PM

Hi,

Just to clarify our position. We have £65m ready and waiting to build an arena in Leeds. The conclusion of our extensive research in to the most suitable location for an arena in Leeds was that Clarence Dock was by far the best option. That said, if the council were to state that it had to be at Elland Rd then we would obide by their decision. Logistically however it can cause problems. Imagine trying to stage a Robbie Williams Concert at an arena at Elland Rd on a Saturday evening, after Leeds have just played Arsenal (hope!). Such problems would rule out at least a quarter of Saturdays.

There has also been a lot of opposition shown by the residents of South Leeds, who came together under the wonderfully titled SLAG, South Leeds Action Group. To our knowledge, no-one has publicly demonstrated that our proposed arena isn't welcome at Clarence Dock.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Director
Leeds Arena Ltd

e: chris.silverwood@leedsarena.com
w : www.leedsarena.com

ahmedd

September 9th, 2005, 04:32 PM

Chris

I agree it would make more sense to have the arena at Clarence Dock. I'm suprised to hear about new plans for elland road. As far as I can remember there was vociferous opposition from the local Nimby's and SLAG(s)! This is what put the origional scheme on hold until Leeds Sporting got into difficulty and could not afford to go ahead with the plans, even if there was no oppostion.

Leeds No.1

September 9th, 2005, 06:43 PM

An arena at Clarence Dock would be better. Elland Road probably would have better access from the M621 and a rail station, despite bus (any maybe supertram) links closeby. A station, and regeneration of the Elland Road area as some venue or general regeneration would be good though. Maybe Elland Road is a good place for a major conference/exhibtion centre, similar to the NEC maybe?

Fred2

September 9th, 2005, 08:33 PM

For the good of the Leeds economy, I think it would be preferable for an arena and conference/exhibition centre to be sited near to the city centre and its hotels and shopping and olther facilities.

daveylad2

September 10th, 2005, 03:06 AM

LegEnd

September 10th, 2005, 11:45 AM

Despite being a united fan I see more in the arguments to have it in the city centre than out at Elland Road where it would probably be a big flop

SmartCity

September 10th, 2005, 02:00 PM

I am in full agreement with your plan Chris. We have been down the Elland Road route before and it got us no where. Ken Bates is in no position at the moment to make Elland Road a viable option for an Arena. The Stadium and the land around it is not owned by Leeds United. He has no firm plan in place.

Agree totally, trust Ken to stick his nose in on the last hour. The land at Elland Road will come in useful for something, at a later date, but on this occasion this project must come to the heart of Leeds. It will give the Clarence Dock area a real lift and put a buzz in the air.

ps60

September 10th, 2005, 11:30 PM

Just imagine Leeds Arena and the surrounding area looking similar to this (admittedly there won't be a tower like that anywhere near the Arena):

http://www.leedsarena.com/images/01_arena_impression.jpg

Fred2

September 10th, 2005, 11:50 PM

ps60

September 11th, 2005, 12:08 PM

Clarence House would not be far away !
But then that tower in Croydon looks like it will be around 40 storeys.

Rob

September 11th, 2005, 04:10 PM

ps60

September 11th, 2005, 04:34 PM

Skychaser 2005

September 11th, 2005, 09:21 PM

There seem to be two large prime sites, next to Elland Rd is good as it is right next to J1 of the M621 and fairly central, and a site next to Clarence Dock would be ideal as it is near good roads and next to a great riverside mixed use development.

I would love to see both these sites utilised, a big arena at either one, and another large leisure facility at the other. I'm not talking a poxy leisure centre or swimming pool, I'm thinking more of a theme park sized development (which are always popular but stuck out in the middle of nowhere, why not in a central city location where large populations can visit easily).

If LCC decide on Elland Road, then I believe the whole Arena project would be a disaster. Not because the site is no good, it is one of the best locations in the North. The probem with Elland Road was recognised last time Leeds proposed an Arena at Elland Road. The site is just too near a residential area, and there was a major battle from day one to overcome their vigorous objections. Indeed I don't think these issues were ever sorted before the project was cancelled.

Go Elland Road and 5 years down the line the residents will still be stalling the development. Although Clarence Dock is also a residential area, I believe the site is further away from the sites apartments. This, linked to the closeness of the city centre makes Clarence Dock my choice

Fred2

September 11th, 2005, 09:34 PM

Good points, Skychaser.

LegEnd

September 12th, 2005, 10:26 PM

13,000 at arena isnt anything like 40,000 at ER, why would it cause so many problems?

Fred2

September 12th, 2005, 10:34 PM

13,000 at arena isnt anything like 40,000 at ER, why would it cause so many problems?

Whether or not it WOULD cause problems is neither here nor there - it's the perception that counts. If the nearby residents think that it WILL cause problems they will kick up a fuss as they have done before. The residents in Clarence Dock are not the sort to raise any such complaints - in fact I bet they would welcome an arena on their doorstep !

Skychaser 2005

September 13th, 2005, 11:01 PM

13,000 at arena isnt anything like 40,000 at ER, why would it cause so many problems?

You obviously don't remember the protests when the Arena was proposed at Elland Road a few years ago..........The whole scheme was dragged down because of the residents objections

ahmedd

October 12th, 2005, 05:19 PM

Revealed: Top five Leeds Arena sites

Land next to Elland Road is favourite

Exclusive
By Paul Robinson
FIVE sites today emerged as front-runners to be the home of a Leeds entertainment arena.
Consultants brought in by the city council have spent months assessing the pros and cons of nearly 20 potential locations for the proposed £50m complex.
Details of the places being looked at have previously been kept under wraps – but now the YEP can reveal those identified as the most suitable. They are:
l Land next to Leeds United's Elland Road ground;
l Shannon Street, east of Quarry Hill;
l Stourton North, immediately west of junction seven of the M621;
l Holbeck, south of Sweet Street;
l Carlisle Road, close to the Royal Armouries and Clarence Dock.
The council-owned site adjoining Elland Road came out top of the pile when measured against criteria such as availability, transport links and attractiveness to would-be operators.
Consultants PMP estimate that between 1.5 and 3.5 hectares would be required for a scheme they say would maintain Leeds's status as one of the country's regional heavyweights.
Clear
Their recommendations were presented to the local authority in August, and a decision could be taken as early as next month on whether to press ahead with the project.
Senior councillors are making it clear, though, that if the 13,000-seater arena does get the green light an announcement on where it would actually be based would still be some way off.
In a joint statement today, council leader Mark Harris and deputy leader Andrew Carter said PMP's five favoured locations should not be taken as an indication of the authority's own preferences.
During their study the consultants looked at a total of 11 other sites, including Skelton Business Park, Tingley and Cross Gates.
Leeds chairman Ken Bates revealed to the YEP last month that he wants the council to build an arena at Elland Road, while London-based businessman Patrick Nally is seeking support for a privately-financed indoor bowl at Clarence Dock.
l The Leeds Initiative, the city's public-private strategic partnership, is carrying out a major consultation exercise on the arena plans.
As part of that process, PMP's full report will be made public for the first time this Friday.
Copies will be available for inspection at Leeds Central Library, Leeds Civic Hall and the Leonardo Building on Rossington Street in the city centre, or at the www.leedsinitiative.org/venue web page.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk
12 October 2005

Metrolink

October 12th, 2005, 05:20 PM

My opinion city centre would be better than Elland Road for the overall benifit that would be derived from an arena.

Fred2

October 12th, 2005, 05:34 PM

My opinion city centre would be better than Elland Road for the overall beifit that would be derived from an arena.

I agree. BTW, I think the Clarence Road/Carlisle Rd. site is surely that on which building has started for the new museum resource centre.

Leeds No.1

October 12th, 2005, 06:21 PM

Same- east of Quarry Hill isn't a bad site either IMO. If an arena was to be built any further out, I think that new transport links would have to be instated. For example, a site at Elland Road is good for road transport, but a new station, with good rail links to ease the already congested, at match times, M621, and bus shuttles.

magicrealist

October 12th, 2005, 06:46 PM

It MUST be built next to Clarence Dock. Anyone with half a brain surely must realise that. Next to Elland Road would be a disaster.

Build it at CD and make the area a destination. Large numbers of pedestrians would head there providing impetus to the development of CD and surrounding areas. I think if they did the research into how 13,000 people would arrive at each site, CD and Quarry Hill would have the highest numbers of pedestrians. People who walk there will be more inclined to stop off on the way for a bite to eat or a drink. Cars will simply queue to get in and queue to get out.

We would have the NEC (in Brum) effect. Now, I'm not knocking the NEC but nobody EVER walks there. Yes, there is public transport but the vast majority of people who visit the NEC, drive (clogging up J6 M42/A45/M6 for miles around!).

Knit the arena into the fabric of the (expanding) City Centre itself and the whole of the City Centre will benefit.

di Livio

October 12th, 2005, 06:59 PM

Knit the arena into the fabric of the (expanding) City Centre itself and the whole of the City Centre will benefit.

The Harewood Quarter is being built to link up the city centre and Quarry Hill. If an arena was built around there it would contribute to the so-called 'cultural quarter' the council is keen to develop.
I've never liked the siting for LUFC games, i much prefer the closer proximity provided by Headingley; i'd be rather pissed off if i had to get a bus to go and see Status Quo. ;)

Leeds No.1

October 13th, 2005, 08:51 PM

(Different Article, similar detail)

Top five arena sites revealed
Council's feasibility study for £50m 13,000-seater venue for Leeds to be made public
Joanne Ginley
FIVE sites in Leeds would be an ideal venue for a proposed entertainment arena in the city, experts say.
Tomorrow a report by consultants hired to examine the options for creating a £50m complex will be made public for the first time. It flags up five sites which it says would be ideal because of transport links and other factors.
However, senior councillors are stressing that at the moment the sites are merely options, and a decision about where any arena would be is some time off.
The five locations for an arena are:
n Land near Leeds United's Elland Road ground;
n Shannon Street, east of Quarry Hill;
n Stourton North, immediately west of junction seven of the M621;
n Holbeck, south of Sweet Street;
n Carlisle Road, close to the Royal Armouries and Clarence Dock.
Consultants PMP were hired by Leeds City Council to investigate whether the city needed new concert facilities.
A summary of a report published by PMP last month, revealed public and business support of an arena venue with associated conference and exhibition facilities. It concluded investing in existing facilities at Leeds Town Hall was more affordable than building a new concert hall for classical music.
In a joint statement, Mark Harris, leader of Leeds City Council and Andrew Carter, deputy leader, said: "This is a good, objective and extremely through study. Its findings and the recommendations of the task group, which oversaw the study, will be considered by the council's executive board on November 16.
"We are grateful to the members of the task group for their work and are confident that we have the basis here to proceed, particularly on the arena for which there is a great deal of public support.
"There is still a lot of work to do before we are in a position to discuss the merits of different sites. In the meantime the consultation process continues and publication of the full report gives the public the opportunity to make further comment which we welcome."
The consultants looked at a number of other suitable sites for a 13,000-seater arena.
They concluded that a combination of an arena, upgraded town hall, and conference and exhibition facilities could be delivered across the city, encouraging it to move up a league and capitalise on its status as a regional capital.
The Leeds Initiative, the city's public-private strategic partnership, is carrying out a major consultation exercise on the arena plans.
As part of that process, PMP's full report will be made public for the first time tomorrow.
Copies can be inspected at Leeds Central Library, Leeds Civic Hall and the Leonardo Building on Rossington Street in the city centre, or at www.leedsinitiative.org/venue
joanne.ginley@ypn.co.uk
13 October 2005

SmartCity

October 13th, 2005, 08:55 PM

It MUST be built next to Clarence Dock. Anyone with half a brain surely must realise that. Next to Elland Road would be a disaster.

I agree totally. I really hope the council does not try and stall this, we all know where this project needs to be.

Another reason to locate it nearer to the centre would be that it would be close to the main hotel district on the city centre loop.

MikeinLeeds

October 14th, 2005, 12:07 PM

I agree totally. I really hope the council does not try and stall this, we all know where this project needs to be.

Another reason to locate it nearer to the centre would be that it would be close to the main hotel district on the city centre loop.

I hope this isn't about the City Council having a vested interest in the land at Elland Road. That site is TOTALLY unsuitable for an arena...it is so inaccesible by public transport and by anyone wanting to use any of the city centre facilities before or after an event.

It must be built within easy walking distance of the city centre, if the city as a whole is to benefit (and not just those with an interest in LUFC)

SmartCity

October 14th, 2005, 12:47 PM

I hope this isn't about the City Council having a vested interest in the land at Elland Road. That site is TOTALLY unsuitable for an arena...it is so inaccesible by public transport and by anyone wanting to use any of the city centre facilities before or after an event.

It must be built within easy walking distance of the city centre, if the city as a whole is to benefit (and not just those with an interest in LUFC)

The site next to the LUFC ground will come in useful for something in the future, but not for this project.

Pehaps a theme park would be a good idea for the Elland Road site, given that it already hosts the Valentine Fair. Other cities in Europe have their own theme parks ie. Barcelona. :)

Leeds No.1

October 14th, 2005, 06:41 PM

Isn't this the considered site for Leeds' supercasino if it happens (as Leeds was one of the cities that would get one if they were to go ahead, along with Blackpool, Birmingham and Croydon if I remember correctly).

Stig282

October 14th, 2005, 06:51 PM

yep that's where there was going to be a well known architect designed casino!

jimbo

October 15th, 2005, 12:09 PM

Rob

October 16th, 2005, 03:25 PM

The site next to the LUFC ground will come in useful for something in the future, but not for this project.

Pehaps a theme park would be a good idea for the Elland Road site, given that it already hosts the Valentine Fair. Other cities in Europe have their own theme parks ie. Barcelona. :)

I think a theme park would be a superb idea, they are always out in the sticks but should be in main metropolitan centres, Elland Rd would be excellant as it is readily accesible for the whole region by motorway.

Leeds No.1

October 16th, 2005, 07:00 PM

Yep I know exactly what you mean- wheres Leeds' nearest theme park? Lightwater Valley? ooh! A zoo would be excellent!

Chris Silverwood

October 16th, 2005, 07:46 PM

Dear All,

Glad to see that the majority of you are supporting the idea of building the arena at Clarence Dock. We have spent a good deal of time and money in order to select the optimum location. At the start of the project our architects identified 23 sites, all of which had their relative merits, but Clarence Dock ticked every single box.

We have noted from reading the Leeds Initiative site that the public is being told that the deadline for submissions in the consultation process is November 30. Assuming that there will then be a period of time in which the submissions will be considered and summarised, this would suggest that we are unlikely to get a decison this side of Christmas.

We will continue to bide our time and ensure that as many people as possible are made aware that we are waiting in the wings, with a fully costed and funded proposal. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the users of this message board for their continued support and notes of encouragement.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood & Patrick Nally

Leeds Arena Ltd
www.LeedsArena.com
e : chris.silverwood@leedsarena.com

Leeds No.1

October 16th, 2005, 08:30 PM

I suppose like all large things it will take a few months to get through planning and whatever...

Skychaser 2005

October 17th, 2005, 02:41 AM

Leeds No.1

October 20th, 2005, 07:23 PM

Trust casts doubt over funding for arena plan
Report questions if £20m plans to upgrade town hall 'are worth it'

Andrew Robinson
SERIOUS doubts have been raised about the feasibility of building a huge entertainment arena in Leeds.
A report out earlier this month concluded it would be possible to built a 13,000-seat arena for pop concerts at a cost of £50m but that the private sector would have to come up with up to £30m to make it happen.
Leeds Civic Trust has now questioned whether such an ambitious and costly arena will be possible. Trust members also raised doubts about plans to spend £20m upgrading Leeds Town Hall to a top-class concert venue.
Trust director Dr Kevin Grady, writing in the trust's October newsletter, said a report by consultants into the options raised many questions.
"Several of our developer corporate members are very sceptical about the assertion that a £20m-30m funding gap on an arena can be met by commercial means."
He is also not sure it is worth spending £20m on Leeds Town Hall.
"It is plausible that substantial further investment can 'upgrade Leeds Town Hall to a first-class symphonic music venue of international standing' and would it be worth spending up to £20m in an attempt to do so?"
The consultants' report concluded that Leeds also needed conference and exhibition facilities associated with an arena (either a 13,000 seater, or a smaller venue with 2,700 seats and 3,500 standing).
Dr Grady says the consultants apparently feared that a large Leeds exhibition centre might damage Harrogate.
He added: "Should Leeds restrict its ability to compete effectively with other big cities and to boost its own economy because of unsubstantiated speculation that it might damage Harrogate's economy?"
However, last night Dr Grady said that since writing the article he was now less concerned about the funding and more worried about where the arena will be built and if it would be "out of town" and come with shopping and other attractions.
It had to be a maximum of a 15-minute walk from the railway station, he says, to bring money into the city, which ruled out one of the preferred sites, Elland Road.
Dr Grady's comments in the newsletter were dismissed last night as "a little bit sour" by Councillor Andrew Carter, deputy leader of Leeds Council, who said he had made it "crystal clear" that the arena would not be an out-of-town development with a shopping centre attached.
He said a 13,000-seat arena was the top priority and was achievable. "The consultants show quite clearly that people who run concerts in these arenas believe the missing piece of the jigsaw is Leeds. We have a seven million population catchment area but of course the site has got to be right. There are 30 possible sites and nothing has yet been decided."
Coun Carter said an arena would be the easiest option to finance and would bring in £28m a year into the Leeds economy.
On the town hall plans, he said: "Only a further study will clarify what decisions have to be taken. We are very much at the start of the process. I have made it quite clear my priority is delivery of the arena."
A spokesman for the Cultural Facilities Taskgroup, which commissioned the consultants' report, said: "The Civic Trust raise some obvious questions, many of which the feasibility report answers. The trust's views will be a useful contribution to the current consultation. On the question of funding, the consultants have reported significant commercial interest and they also propose a number of funding routes. This is not to minimise the difficulties but the report is very positive. Our recommendations are nothing if not realistic about what can be achieved."
Details of the arena and town hall options can be foundatwww.leedsinitiative.org
andrew.robinson@ypn.co.uk
20 October 2005

Stupid Civic Trust. And I couldnt care less whether it damages Harrogate or not, and if it does, then Harrogate would be able to share in Leeds' economy because fo its proximity, and HarrogateKnaresborough can also promote itself as a tourist town too.

Fred2

October 20th, 2005, 08:30 PM

Leeds No.1

October 20th, 2005, 10:24 PM

I'd rather them put that £20m towards the Arena, or if not, towards another use, perhaps improving city centre streets which look a bit delapidated these days, such as Vicar Lane, The Headrow, New Briggate and Lower Briggate and Kirkgate.

Simon22

October 21st, 2005, 10:59 AM

I don't consider the Civic Trust to be stupid in this matter. It is the CT which is questioning this imaginary effect on Harogate. Why should Leeds have to consider that ?
I also agree with it concerning the Toiwn Hall. Throwing £20 million at it in the vain attempt to make it a worthwhile concert hall capable of competing - perhaps with the second division of concert halls (if there is such a thing!) - would be a waste of council taxpayers money.

I agree that Leeds shouldn't care about Harrogate's conference centre, true some emloyment may be lost in Harrogate but the boom in Leeds over the last 15 years has provided many folk in that town with jobs and prosperity.

di Livio

October 21st, 2005, 02:38 PM

It's the same twisted logic that prevents a state-of-the-art independent cinema from opening in Leeds (Bradford already has Pictureville, what about Hyde Park?). Small- mindedness yet again.

Currently, Sheffield has better cinema, gallery and music facilities. What an embarrassment! For all its money, Leeds appears to be run by people who have no interest in providing basic cultural facilities. The Playhouse is first-rate, why can't we have a concert hall that is equally impressive?

Sheffield City Hall. Note the black advertisements.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4633/dscf00085mk.jpg

di Livio

October 21st, 2005, 02:57 PM

I only come on here to moan.

magicrealist

October 21st, 2005, 04:30 PM

WTF has it got to do with Harrogate? Why don't Chris and Patrick (who have already done the cost-revenue feasibility study) just build it anyway. Put the pp in and go for it. I'm certain it will be a winner.

Anyway, have these people not read the PMP report?

Summary: http://www.leedsinitiative.org/initiativeDocuments/200596_89451236.pdf
Other Docs: http://www.leedsinitiative.org/default.asp?initiativeIdentifier=20021224_3292263&subSectionIdentifier=2005831_536083401&expand=true

Chris Silverwood

October 24th, 2005, 11:30 AM

Dear All,

As you would sincerely hope, we have done exhaustive financial due diligence as to the viability of our plans for an arena. We are using the same funding structure as has been used in Helsinki and they are making it work and trading profitably with a population of just 600,000.

Our plans for an arena incorporate a fully acoustic symphonic hall with a capacity of 3,000 seats within the arena. It is almost as simple as pressing a button and hey presto, there you have your mid sized venue! The consultants have recommended a £50m arena. A typical UK style arena would indeed cost that, however an arena in the style of Hamburg and Helsinki, with superior facilities and the ability to contain a mid sized venue within it, will cost £65m. Which we have fully committed.

I think it is perhaps time that Patrick and I met with Dr Grady to take him through our numbers. As you know we don't want to build an arena out of town, it needs to be central and accessible to the greatest number of people.
We are now working closely with the council and Andrew Carter should be particularly praised for his attitude and enthusiasm to see this project through. As he has publicly stated what we must avoid at all costs is a protracted procurement process, where every man and his dog suddenly becomes an arena builder!

As for putting a planning application speculatively though, the cost of such an application is circa £1m and as I am sure you will agree, not many people have the stomach to lay such amounts of money out, without any real guarantee of success.

We will be announcing further elements of our plans and additions to the team later this week, as ever I will ensure that you are among the first to hear of these.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

magicrealist

October 24th, 2005, 06:12 PM

Chris,

Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Although people like Dr Grady are well respected pillars of the Leeds community, it does beggar belief that he can pontificate upon these matters without due consideration of all the facts.

Let's go forward together!

di Livio

October 24th, 2005, 06:25 PM

magicrealist

October 24th, 2005, 07:03 PM

So, this means Leeds will get a concert venue after all? (3000 seats is about the same capacity as Bridgewater Hall, isn't it? Is it?)

(Wishful thinking, but...) any chance of throwing in an arts cinema, as part of a job-lot?
Although we don't seem to have have a dedicated arts cinema (esp since the demise of the Hyde Park), there is "A brand new year-round programme of diverse and challenging cinema from around the world." which is run by the people behind the LIFF:

http://www.leedsfilm.com/

And on that note, I've got tickets to the opening LIFF gala film and party!! The Brothers Grimm apparently. Terry Gilliam is buying the beer. Marvellous.

di Livio

October 24th, 2005, 09:55 PM

i'd agree, there are some great film initiatives in the city. (I seem to remember being the world's worst volunteer at the Film Festival in '99). Maybe the Portland Gate development will throw something up.

http://www.leedsfilm.com/festimgweb.jpg

Skychaser 2005

October 24th, 2005, 10:33 PM

MikeinLeeds

October 25th, 2005, 10:20 AM

Leeds No.1

October 25th, 2005, 10:28 AM

Agreed, and we already know how congested the M621 and roads around it get on match days. With proximity to the bus stations and city centre transport it is less likely there will be loads of congestion...

Chris Silverwood

October 25th, 2005, 05:06 PM

Dear All,

Our fully acoustic symphonic venue with a 3,000 seat capacity will be contained within the arena. Unlike Manchester and Sheffield Arena where in order to decrease the capacity they simply draw a curtain across, with our proposed Leeds Arena the venue literally compacts itself and forms a fully acoustic symphonic, 3,000 seater venue. The technology for this to happen only came about in the last eighteen months.

Patrick and I continously tell everyone that we can convince to listen, that we are providing the City of Leeds with the opportunity to have the leading venue in the UK, unlike any other that anyone that has attended a concert in the UK will have ever experienced. Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle and the likes already have theirs. They are not going to knock them down, so they are stuck with them. Leeds on the other hand can have such a ground breaking arena.

What we must all ensure is that there is no long protracted procurement process, which ultimately could end with a stalemate similar to the one that was produced with LUFC in 1997.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

buggedboy

October 25th, 2005, 05:13 PM

I think the Leeds Arena design looks brilliant and at only a fraction of the cost of ours being built here in Liverpool (130million for under 10,000 capacity, although I do like ours..www.kingswaterfrontliverpool.co.uk/arena.php). Didnt even realise a city the size of Leeds didnt have one yet.

When's its estimated completion date?

Chris Silverwood

October 25th, 2005, 05:24 PM

That was one that we looked at a number of years ago, look what I still own!!! Any takers??

Fetching whois data for liverpoolarena.co.uk

Domain Name:
liverpoolarena.co.uk

Registrant:
chris silverwood

Registrant's Address:
3 Park Square
Leeds
LS1 2NE
GB

Registrant's Agent:
Pipex Communications Hosting Ltd t/a 123-Reg.co.uk [Tag = 123-REG]
URL: http://www.123-reg.co.uk

Relevant Dates:
Registered on: 23-Jul-2004
Renewal Date: 23-Jul-2006
Last updated: 15-Apr-2005

Registration Status:
Registered until renewal date.

Name servers listed in order:
ns.123-reg.co.uk 212.67.202.2
ns2.123-reg.co.uk 212.67.203.246

WHOIS database last updated at 15:20:00 25-Oct-2005

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Leedsfella

October 25th, 2005, 06:53 PM

Out of 100%, how sure are you that this area will go ahead?

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 07:21 PM

Chris - did I hear somewhere this would be like the Helsinki arena?

Having visited that arena I can vouch for it being a truely great place - for those who haven't, it is of similar size to the MEN, however, one end of the 'upper blocks' is not seating, but rather a large bar / restaurant.

Chris Silverwood

October 25th, 2005, 07:39 PM

Out of 100%, 95%. We have the money, the land under option and the management team. We have been through the procurement process twice with both Croydon and Southampton and won both times. But as they say, nothing in life is..................

Yes our arena is based around the arenas in Helsinki and Hamburg.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 07:45 PM

Which Helskini one? Isn't there two? Joekerit and CSK (spelling is terrible)

From memory it is the Joekerit one that is the new one, the one with the bar / restuarant.

So are you planning something similar, instead of seating at one end put in somewhere to sit and eat/drink?

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 07:48 PM

I presume you mean???

Helsingin jäähalli
Helsinki, Finland. Built in 1966.
Home ice for : Helsinki IFK (also formerly the home for Jokerit Helsinki)
Capacity : 8,000 seats

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 07:49 PM

or the

Hartwall Arena
Helsinki, Finland. Built in 1997. Inaugurated as a host arena for the World Championships in 1997.
Home ice for : Jokerit Helsinki (1997- )
Capacity : 13,700 seats (additional seating capacity of some two hundred if required)

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 07:50 PM

Have been to both, and have to say the Hartwall Arena is something special, it is the one with a bar / eatery in. Very similar size to MEN, but as I have siad, with an end missing upstairs.

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 07:51 PM

http://www.innebandy.no/2001-2002/vm2002/bilder/02.jpg

You can see the bar at the other end in that picture

View from the bar...

http://www.kotobuki.co.jp/projectnews/02/img/03.jpg

daveylad2

October 25th, 2005, 09:00 PM

I think he means it will be like the one built in 1966. :crazy:

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 09:33 PM

I hope not, although there is nothing wrong with that arena (have watched a game of ice hockey there several years ago, Manchester v some Helsinki team) but it is not of the same standard of the modern one in the pictures (went on a tour of the building whilst in the city).

The modern one is on a par with the MEN, the older one isn't sadly, it is simply a bowl, with several thousand seats, very similar to just about every other 8odd thousand seat arenas in the world.

Leeds No.1

October 25th, 2005, 09:34 PM

That Arena looks a bit rubbish IMO....

Metrolink

October 25th, 2005, 09:37 PM

The ones in the picture?

Maybe the pictures don't do it justice, trust me, it is a great arena, very unique, much better than your typical bowl arena we get in this country, such as Nottingham and Sheffield.

What it lacks in size compared to the MEN, it makes up with the excellent bar and restaurant area. It is more than simply an arena, it is a lesuire location.

Chris Silverwood

October 26th, 2005, 05:43 PM

Dear All,

In order to clear up any confusion, I refer to our www.leedsarena.com website

"The business plan to fund and finance arena development has been subjected to substantial due diligence by Leeds Arena's professional financial advisers and financial institutions to the satisfaction of its partners, and is based on a visionary approach to corporate memberships, corporate hospitality, the use of innovative smart technology and bespoke high quality food and beverage offerings.

Many aspects of the Leeds Arena concept can be found in recent arena projects, most notably the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, GM Place in Vancouver and the Color Line Arena in Hamburg."

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

jimbo

October 26th, 2005, 05:52 PM

That Arena looks a bit rubbish IMO....

really, on what basis? In the absence of any decent arena / venue at all today, I think this would tick the box with bells on!

The Silver Star Cafe place in Helsinki looks cool - quite American retro!

thanks for keeping us in the loop and providing regular updates Chris, it's excellent to see how dedicated and confident yourself and Patrick are of providing a suitable solution in Leeds city centre. I hope the council are listening to you, and that your meetings with Andrew Carter will be productive.

I presume you'd be looking to get quite a bit of sponsorship investment by selling naming rights etc?

Leeds No.1

October 26th, 2005, 07:15 PM

Obviously I havent visited, however the look of it does not seem that much different to any other arena...

Metrolink

October 26th, 2005, 07:45 PM

No1 - I have visitied many many arenas in europe watching Manchester Storm ice hockey, having been to this one I can honestly say it is the right up there with the best (Turku also in Finland, have a decent one too).

Not sure what else you are expecting from an arena.

For those who don't give a toss, I think my favorite arena has to be Ambri-Piotta, not for size (probably only holds about 8 thousand, of which most are standing), but it is right up in the Swiss Alps, and the end walls don't go up to the roof, so you can see out of the ends and be looking at huge Alpine mountains covered in snow. The atmosphere at Swiss ice hockey is like the atmosphere at football over here 15 years ago.

The Swiss also know how to do beer festivals after ice hockey matches.

anyway, bordom lesson over.

di Livio

October 26th, 2005, 09:00 PM

[QUOTE=Metrolink]The atmosphere at Swiss ice hockey is like the atmosphere at football over here 15 years ago.QUOTE]

Do they get darts in the eye, and bricks on your bonce?

LegEnd

October 27th, 2005, 01:52 AM

At least they can stand up to support there team if they want...

Neilynoo

October 28th, 2005, 04:06 AM

MikeinLeeds

October 28th, 2005, 01:16 PM

Leeds has needed an arena for decades and here we are STILL debating the issue. The proposal for an arena adjacent to Clarence Dock is by far the most sensible but why do I fear the needs of the city, it's people and the surrounding area will take 2nd place to whatever hidden adgenda the politicians have in mind? We shall see...

Neilynoo...and everyone else for that matter!!!!

Make sure you make your views known to the people at the Leeds Initiative ....venue@leeds.gov.uk. We need to do all we can to counter the pro Elland Road lobby....every voice counts!!!

Mike

Neilynoo

November 2nd, 2005, 11:39 PM

Neilynoo...and everyone else for that matter!!!!

Make sure you make your views known to the people at the Leeds Initiative ....venue@leeds.gov.uk. We need to do all we can to counter the pro Elland Road lobby....every voice counts!!!

Mike

Cheers Mike, I just have!
I notice Crossgates (the old Barnbow works) is also mooted as a possible site?
I just hope we don't end up bogged down with objections and public enquiries etc. etc. as we really have waiting far too long and seem virtually every other decent city of note get an arena!

The Oil

November 10th, 2005, 03:08 PM

Unbelievably the council are set to announce that the 10 month study done by PMP, which resulted in identifying the need for an Arena in Leeds, is being followed up by commisioning another study which will report on ways of funding the Arena and the location of it. This wil take at least 6 months. Oh - and PMP apparently recommended Elland Road.

Chris - isn't it about time you got yourselves heard properly in the local media? Even the lethargic Yorkshire Evening Post has got a big feature tonight complaining at the interminable procrastination on this.

SmartCity

November 10th, 2005, 04:20 PM

mike68

November 10th, 2005, 05:32 PM

I think this would be a good time to call the Council 'to account' on its procrastination and extra money spent, coming so soon after the 12 years and 40 million spent on the Supertram fiasco!!!

Loiner

November 10th, 2005, 08:44 PM

So now its no Arena, to add to no Supertram, no Ian Simpson, no premier League football team and no Selfridges.

Talk about B list.

di Livio

November 10th, 2005, 09:18 PM

So now its no Arena, to add to no Supertram, no Ian Simpson, no premier League football team and no Selfridges.

Talk about B list.

Ah, pessimism. That's what i like to hear.

Barking Spider

November 10th, 2005, 10:40 PM

[QUOTE=Neilynoo]Cheers Mike, I just have!
I notice Crossgates (the old Barnbow works) is also mooted as a possible site?

Crossgates-could-be-a-v.good-long-term-site-for-the-arena.-Already-easily-accessed-via-road/rail,-it-could-have-its-own-railway-station-&-motorway-exit.---(Apologies-for-the-difficult-to-read-post-by-the-way.-Spilt-a-glass-of-wine-over-my-keyboard-a-couple-of-nights-ago-&-many-keys-now-dont-work,-including-space-bar-&-apostrophe!-buying-a-new-one-tomorrow).

Skychaser 2005

November 11th, 2005, 01:47 AM

This is what you get with a rainbow alliance- a lack of decision making, no clear strategy and no Arena!

I can't believe how pathetic LCC really is when we have an organisation waiting in the wings with the money and the vision, not to look at the Leeds Arena project and try to move it forward without the need for yet another report- Chris, sort these useless council members out once and for all!

Alexi Lalas

November 11th, 2005, 01:58 AM

the council should just let them build their arena. it's all privatley funded so if it's a flop well, that's their problem then isn't it. someone will end up buying it off them and perhaps make a success of it. or let the council build theirs too, abit of competition between them and see who's the real experts on building arenas.

Alexi Lalas

November 11th, 2005, 02:42 AM

or let the council build theirs too, abit of competition between them and see who's the real experts on building arenas.

wish i hadn't said that bit. pretty silly. but if the private group build an arena the council should allow it. why should they care if it fails?

Chris Silverwood

November 11th, 2005, 05:31 PM

SmartCity

November 11th, 2005, 06:37 PM

Dear All,

This isn't the greatest news, but be rest assured we are playing a long game here. We have spent well in to seven figures on architects, accountants, lawyers, which we believe more than demonstrates our commitment to building an arena in Leeds.

We understand the collective frustration of the users of this message board but we can't change the system, so we just have to go along with it.

On a positive point we have just finished our drawings for a mixed use resi/office tower which we will incorporate in to the arena scheme. Hopefully releasing these will give us a few column inches in the press.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

Keep up the good work, I am sure you will have the full support from the people of Leeds, not just the forumers here.

Look forward to seeing some pictures of the proposed tower, any number of floors?

Leeds No.1

November 11th, 2005, 06:42 PM

Wherever an arena is built in Leeds will prove a success as its such a large city and population area but its just that at certain sites it could be better than others. Clarence Dock is still the prime site in my opinion though, and will not only be accesible from the M621, Leeds City Bus Station, Leeds Central but also from the A63 East Leeds Link Road.

jimbo

November 11th, 2005, 08:41 PM

.......On a positive point we have just finished our drawings for a mixed use resi/office tower which we will incorporate in to the arena scheme. Hopefully releasing these will give us a few column inches in the press..........

hmmm, tower, interesting? Any news on height, architect, style etc?

The Council are going through the motions, and as an elected and accountable body, are being diligent in their investigations. That said, when a fully funded private development is proposed by a firm with an already proven track record in Arena development, it does beg the question why they are so cautious.

The Oil

November 12th, 2005, 01:38 AM

Dear All,

This isn't the greatest news, but be rest assured we are playing a long game here. We have spent well in to seven figures on architects, accountants, lawyers, which we believe more than demonstrates our commitment to building an arena in Leeds.

We understand the collective frustration of the users of this message board but we can't change the system, so we just have to go along with it.

On a positive point we have just finished our drawings for a mixed use resi/office tower which we will incorporate in to the arena scheme. Hopefully releasing these will give us a few column inches in the press.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

Ok Chris, before I launch into my spiel I want you to know that you have my full support and any criticism I may give in my rant to follow is purely constructive.....BUT....... "a few column inches in the press"!?!?!?!!??! Is that all you're after?????

Shouldn't you be thinking about a more aggressive marketing scheme? If what you're offering is to be taken at face value then it seems to me to be a no brainer. Get the YEP on side, force them into it, turn your project into a cause celebre, let the people of Leeds know what you want to do!!!

The Oil

November 12th, 2005, 01:40 AM

hmmm, tower, interesting? Any news on height, architect, style etc?

The Council are going through the motions, and as an elected and accountable body, are being diligent in their investigations. That said, when a fully funded private development is proposed by a firm with an already proven track record in Arena development, it does beg the question why they are so cautious.

Very diplomatic Jimbo! :)

Rob

November 12th, 2005, 11:55 AM

Yes, very diplomatic but quite right. With the number financially struggling half started projects around this and other cities, it's really all down to proven funding as well as approved planning.

If Leeds Arena Ltd bought a piece of land and put in a planning application which was approved, the council would be stuck if the project stumbled due to funding as they would have an important piece of land tied up that couldn't be used for years, and it would certainly stop other potential arena developers from raising their own proposals. However, Leeds Arena Ltd would understandably be reluctant to put a firm proposal together and invest money if they don't know for sure that the council will approve their bid.

The solution could be secret talks with the council, with a planning application tied in with a special legal contract with the council to back out and sell the land back in a limited (short) time span if funding fails.

Chris Silverwood

November 14th, 2005, 06:51 PM

Rob

November 14th, 2005, 08:33 PM

That sounds like excellant news. We look forward to an official announcement in the near future. Thanks for keeping us updated Chris.

This city really does need an arena !!!

Leeds No.1

November 14th, 2005, 08:35 PM

Sounds hopeful! With the news that Robbie is coming, it shows that big artists do want to perform in Leeds but probably turned away by a lack of a venue so this should pretty much give some good proof. On the other hand it could say Leeds doesnt need an arena as it can attract them without but I think the first point is probably a bit better lol.

Skychaser 2005

November 14th, 2005, 09:12 PM

SmartCity

November 14th, 2005, 09:32 PM

jimbo

November 14th, 2005, 11:20 PM

Dear All,

I have just left a meeting at which we put pen to paper on what is best described as the 'nuclear option' in terms of an aggressive marketing stance. What we have just tied up will leave the council with no option but to grant permission.

Trust us, all will be revealed and I assure you, you will be very impressed.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

:nocrook: absolutely top news. Have been revising for 3 hrs and feeling thoroughly fed up, but this little tip has really cheered me up. More good news, and great to hear that Chris et al are really working closely with the Council. Am indeed looking forward to any official annoucement, or set of images/renders. If the cash is ready, and Leeds Arena Ltd already own (or have agreement to purchase) the site, then lets hope the planning permission is a formality.

Quite what a 'nuclear option' is, is open for debate, but presume its like presenting the council with a huge brightly wrapped box with ribbons and sparkely stuff around it, and inside, is a fully funded, state of the art city centre stadium?

MikeinLeeds

November 15th, 2005, 01:36 PM

Quite what a 'nuclear option' is, is open for debate, but presume its like presenting the council with a huge brightly wrapped box with ribbons and sparkely stuff around it, and inside, is a fully funded, state of the art city centre stadium?

Jimbo
How about this as a more likley interpretation of the "nuclear option": "Leeds Arena Ltd in discussion with Bradford City Council regarding arena plans given lack of support from Leeds City Council"......

jimbo

November 15th, 2005, 11:39 PM

aviator

November 16th, 2005, 12:52 AM

How about this as a more likley interpretation of the "nuclear option": "Leeds Arena Ltd in discussion with Bradford City Council regarding arena plans given lack of support from Leeds City Council"......

You reckon?? I'm not trying to do Bradford down but, if you think Leeds CC is bad, just take a look over the district border. I think the Bradford councillors would piss themselves if they had to make a bold move like that.

LeedsLad

November 16th, 2005, 03:05 PM

With the news that Robbie W is now playing TWO 90,000 concerts in Leeds (almost certain to sell out, and the fact that the Kaisers sold out 2 x 7000 gigs at Millennium Square in a couple of hours (and are likely to play Elland Rd), doesn't the proposed 12000-13000 seats seem a little bit small? Other arenas manage with more seats....

Metrolink

November 16th, 2005, 03:19 PM

The Oil

November 16th, 2005, 04:34 PM

Does Nebworth need a massive arena since it held an Oasis concert with a couple of hundred thousand people?

Outside concerts are not exactly the same thing as arena concerts, MEN is used about 150 times a year, out door concerts occur every few years, not exactly a good guide or Nebworth would have a huge arena.

I think you're missing the point. There aren't too many places to have outdoor concerts with 90,000 attending and there aren't that many artists who can sell that many tickets so Knebworth is an obvious choice for gigs this size. Ditto Roundhay Park. The difference is that there can't be that many people from Knebworth (population 5000) at the gigs whereas there'll be shedloads of people (easily more than 13,000) from Leeds and surrounding areas who will be making up the Roundhay crowd........

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 07:04 PM

Stig282

November 16th, 2005, 07:32 PM

It would be useful to turn one of the large brownfield sites in the inner city, or where there are warehouses into a large green, similar to our Stray. It would be good for large events and would also massiveley increase land value (even though The Stray isn't just a stretch of grass) but it would still raise value and make the area more attractive.

Where did that statement come from?

The Stray is where it is because of Victorian(older?) Town planning - the fact that land values are high round there are predominately because of location (so close to TownCentre), property type(nice, big & old) and because of the greenery.

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 07:40 PM

actually its because there are about 80 natural springs underneath it which means it can never be built on (by law)
It came from the fact that a similar thing in Leeds would provide a large open space for outdoor concerts.

Stig282

November 16th, 2005, 08:02 PM

Soldiers Field not big enough?

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 08:05 PM

thats all the way out @ Roundhay though.

Stig282

November 16th, 2005, 08:05 PM

Leeds Love Parade 2000 - 70ish,000 people...

Stig282

November 16th, 2005, 08:08 PM

Come on LeedsNo1! Turning brownfield stuff green is not viable within Leeds City Centre.

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 08:09 PM

I said the inner city

Smoggie_Si

November 16th, 2005, 09:58 PM

and the fact that the Kaisers sold out 2 x 7000 gigs at Millennium Square in a couple of hours

Not to mention selling out the Brudenell Social Club in a lunchtime gig with the Cribs a few weeks ago! ;)

Smoggie_Si

November 16th, 2005, 10:00 PM

Smoggie_Si

November 16th, 2005, 10:03 PM

It would be good for large events and would also massiveley increase land value

Why?

even though The Stray isn't just a stretch of grass

Is it not? It always was when I lived in Harrogate. Does it change into something after midnight like a Transformer (robots in disguise) ;)

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 10:07 PM

Well it would be good for large events because it would be a large, open space near the city centre and if it was looked after it would increase land values obviously.

The Stray isn't just a piece of grass because it has importance, it is what makes the town Europes strongest spa town, it is protected and owned by the people, it has historical importance, it is managed rather than just an area of grass that is left to overgrow and it provides a nice large space for any events.

Smoggie_Si

November 16th, 2005, 10:14 PM

The Stray isn't just a piece of grass because it has importance, it is what makes the town Europes strongest spa town, it is protected and owned by the people, it has historical importance, it is managed rather than just an area of grass that is left to overgrow and it provides a nice large space for any events.

But when it comes down to it, the Stray is just a piece of grass, no? Apart from Tewitt Well there are no buildings on it.

Aside from my primary school sports day 19 years ago, what events have been held on the Stray?

Re the proposed Number 1 Park in Leeds, it would have an effect on property values immediately around it yes, but I doubt that it would offset the cost of the land in the first place. Who would pay for the land? Leeds City Council certainly couldn't without increasing council taxes and that would go down like the proverbial lead balloon.

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 10:37 PM

Yeah I know, thats the point. There are no buildings on it, it can never be built on which is one reason why the price is pushed up. Most pf the towns annual events are on The Stray- Bonfire Night Fireworks Display, the Fairs, some music events- where else would they be able to hold things like that anyway...

Smoggie_Si

November 16th, 2005, 10:52 PM

Yeah I know, thats the point. There are no buildings on it, it can never be built on which is one reason why the price is pushed up.

It's a nice idea Number 1, but it isn't economically viable. City centre land is worth far too much to justify a large city centre park. What I think could and should happen is that developers only get planning permission for new developments if an element of public space is included. These green lungs are necessary for the City to breath.

Leeds has plenty of parks outside of the city centre and when you see an aerial photo of the city centre it's amazing to see how much green space there is in the city.

Also the best thing about Leeds IMO is that wherever you are in the city you are so near to the countryside, I love riding from Roundhay Park to Eccup and through the Harewood estate. It's incredible to imagine as you struggle up one of the most technical hills that I've ever seen hidden away in the Harewood estate that you're only a few miles outside of the city centre.

Blimey this has digressed from Leeds Arena hasn't it! So er, Leeds Arena, yes please. ;)

Leeds No.1

November 16th, 2005, 10:57 PM

I said the inner city aka not city centre! Like Sheepscar, or up near Cardigan Fields or around all those warehouses near Readmans...

Smoggie_Si

November 16th, 2005, 11:40 PM

I said the inner city aka not city centre! Like Sheepscar, or up near Cardigan Fields or around all those warehouses near Readmans...

FFS LN1, there's loads of parks in the inner city, Potternewton Park, Woodhouse Moor, Burley Park, Hyde Park, East End Park to name just 5. Go look at a Leeds map and notice the big green areas just outside the city centre.

Now let it lie, please!

jimbo

November 16th, 2005, 11:58 PM

It's a nice idea Number 1, but it isn't economically viable. City centre land is worth far too much to justify a large city centre park. What I think could and should happen is that developers only get planning permission for new developments if an element of public space is included. These green lungs are necessary for the City to breath.

Leeds has plenty of parks outside of the city centre and when you see an aerial photo of the city centre it's amazing to see how much green space there is in the city.

Also the best thing about Leeds IMO is that wherever you are in the city you are so near to the countryside, I love riding from Roundhay Park to Eccup and through the Harewood estate. It's incredible to imagine as you struggle up one of the most technical hills that I've ever seen hidden away in the Harewood estate that you're only a few miles outside of the city centre.

Blimey this has digressed from Leeds Arena hasn't it! So er, Leeds Arena, yes please. ;)

ello, having a quiet evening Smoggie! I'm personally waiting for Lost to start, but agree with your points, takes 10 mins from city centre to get out to Thorner / Shadwell etc and beyond. City centre parks, whilst a fine idea, are not economically viable, no one in their right mind, not even the council would give up prime central sites for parkland. I'm sure Leeds has some title regarding the amount of parkland within the city boundaries - Roundhay/Soldiers Field, Temple Newsam, Golden Acre, Meanwood Valley, Becketts, Gotts Wood etc etc. Its a very green city.

Leeds No.1

November 17th, 2005, 12:02 AM

same! lol (bout Lost).
Well, what's wrong with roof gardens! Ideally, all rooves would be grassed over at least- it would be much better!

Smoggie_Si

November 17th, 2005, 12:06 AM

ello, having a quiet evening Smoggie! I'm personally waiting for Lost to start, but agree with your points, takes 10 mins from city centre to get out to Thorner / Shadwell etc and beyond. City centre parks, whilst a fine idea, are not economically viable, no one in their right mind, not even the council would give up prime central sites for parkland. I'm sure Leeds has some title regarding the amount of parkland within the city boundaries - Roundhay/Soldiers Field, Temple Newsam, Golden Acre, Meanwood Valley, Becketts, Gotts Wood etc etc. Its a very green city.

Evening Jimbo! You're classing the council as being in their right minds, dunno I'd agree with that after the Arena fiasco!

Gotts park, that's the baby! Was racking my brain to think of the name of the park in Armley.

Yeah rather a lazy one tonight, plans for a good gym session have fallen by the wayside in favour of good tunes and ironing, sad but true!

daveylad2

November 17th, 2005, 12:46 AM

Evening Jimbo! You're classing the council as being in their right minds, dunno I'd agree with that after the Arena fiasco!

Gotts park, that's the baby! Was racking my brain to think of the name of the park in Armley.

It's also known as Armley Park, so if you are ever in a situation again where you Forget the name, just say Armley Park. ;)

Here is a picture of the golf course and Benjamin Gotts Manor.
http://www.louisaparry.co.uk/Photos/Dec03-park/img009.jpeg

The Oil

November 17th, 2005, 12:48 AM

And the award for the most stupid, pointless post of the year goes to Tramboy.

And there's me trying to be subtle!! :)

The Oil

November 17th, 2005, 12:50 AM

It's also known as Armley Park, so if you are ever in a situation again where you Forget the name, just say Armley Park. ;)

Here is a picture of the golf course and Benjamin Gotts Manor.
http://www.louisaparry.co.uk/Photos/Dec03-park/img009.jpeg

The Rose Garden behind Gotts Park house is beautiful, you're completely cut off from the city, almost a bit eerie.

Stig282

November 17th, 2005, 11:26 AM

Where the heck is this?

thread split required? "Green parks in Leeds" perhaps

SmartCity

November 17th, 2005, 04:29 PM

The Oil

November 18th, 2005, 04:44 PM

Chris,

Are you, or anyone from you're organisation, going to be attending the meeting in the Art Gallery on Wednesday?

magicrealist

November 18th, 2005, 06:36 PM

From YEP
Arena dream: Chance to quiz the consultants
By DAVID MARSH

CONSULTANTS working on plans to bring a multi-million pound entertainment and exhibition arena to Leeds will be quizzed at a public meeting next week.
Experts PMP were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study into the provision of an arena, concert hall and other cultural facilities in Leeds.
PMP's recently published report offered hope that an arena and associated conference facilities were viable and more work is to be carried out on the proposal.

While the report recognised that a new concert hall would be an iconic building for the city, it suggested it would have to be funded by a local "cultural fund" and PMP said they had come across little commercial support for the development of such a fund.
It has been suggested the Town Hall - already home of the Leeds International Concert Season - could be upgraded into a top-class music venue.

Leeds Civic Trust has organised a public meeting to be held at the City Art Gallery at which the consultants will outline their findings and take questions.
Kevin Grady, trust director, said: "It is clear that Leeds would benefit greatly from having major new cultural facilities. But they are enormously expensive both to build and run and any money available has to be spent wisely.

Interest
"It is clear that there is great public demand for an arena and happily the consultants report that an arena would be economically viable and there is strong private sector interest in building one. "The much more difficult issue is whether the city should up-grade the Town Hall or seek to build a modern concert hall.

"The Leeds Initiative's Cultural Facilities Task Group has recommended that the Town Hall should be improved to make it a music venue of international standing, but comments in the press from senior figures in the world of music suggest that the building is not capable of being improved in this way. "They argue that any money available should be devoted to securing a brand new concert hall. In their presentation the consultants will focus in particular on this issue.

"Another issue of great importance is the size and location of any new conference and exhibition facilities. The report shows that there is strong business and hotelier demand for them but there is a danger that the city might be too cautious in the scale of facilities that it seeks. "Many people have only heard the headlines from the report. This consultation evening provides the opportunity for people to get into its detail and quiz the consultants on matters of particular interest."

Places must be booked for the meeting which takes place on Wednesday November 23 between 6pm and 8pm. To book a seat contact the Civic Trust on 0113 243 9594.
david.marsh@ypn.co.uk

The Oil

November 18th, 2005, 08:35 PM

Loiner

November 21st, 2005, 02:56 PM

I'm off to this, I shall duly report back to you all with a detailed report. I might even take a dictaphone!

Or maybe a megaphone to get the message accross??!!

Leeds No.1

November 21st, 2005, 06:07 PM

New arena feasibility study gets go-ahead
£200,000 to be spent on advice
By DAVID MARSH
SENIOR councillors have given the go ahead for a further feasibility study into plans to build a £60m entertainment and exhibition arena in Leeds.
And in pushing ahead with the latest phase of the project, councillors took a swipe at critics who have accused them of dithering.
Consultants PMP recently completed an initial feasibility study into how the city could provide an arena and other key cultural facilities.
It concluded an arena and associated conference facilities were viable and there was strong private sector interest in building one. A number of possible sites have been suggested, including one close to Leeds United's Elland Road stadium.
The council's Executive Board has now given the go ahead for £200,000 to be spent on consultants who will further advise on a delivery strategy for the arena and possible improvements to the Town Hall to transform it into a world-class music venue.
Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, is providing cash for the study.
Grasp
But the council's approach in commissioning a further study has come under fire with music fans urging councillors to grasp the nettle and get on with developing the facility.
Coun Andrew Carter, the council's deputy leader with responsibility for development, said: "To suggest that on the back of the one report we have we should pick a developer and get on with it is the view of an economic illiterate. There is a huge will among us to deliver this arena but we have to get it right."
Coun Mark Harris, council leader, said: "An arena will cost £60m and the council does not have that sort of money with which to build an arena.
"It would be irresponsible if we were to attempt it because we would have to cut back our spending on schools, roads and other key area. The initial report has suggested there is significant private-sector interest in an arena project and we now need to look at how we can draw in this commercial interest to bring this project to fruition."
david.marsh@ypn.co.uk
21 November 2005

Leeds Ice hockey

November 22nd, 2005, 07:58 PM

I have just left a meeting at which we put pen to paper on what is best described as the 'nuclear option' in terms of an aggressive marketing stance. What we have just tied up will leave the council with no option but to grant permission.

Trust us, all will be revealed and I assure you, you will be very impressed.

Having read through the initial feasibility study into the arena & other facilities I've got to say that I was really disappointed that the recommendations from PMP didn't include an ice-pad, and looking through the business plans for the arena the only sporting event they have included is a once a year wrestling show.

Therefore I'd like to join in the support of this plan from Leeds Arena Ltd, who want to include an olympic sized ice-pad and "an Event Floor for hosting a wide variety of sporting events such as acrobatic rock and roll, table tennis, wrestling, BMX cross-trial, curling, sliding disc, field hockey, judo, karate, handball, basketball, football, equestrian sport, modelling, motorsport, autosport, rollerskating, skating, speed skating, boxing, volleyball, weightlifting, taekwando, dancing, body building and fitness, badminton, gymnastics and fencing."

It's obvious from my username that I want to see hockey in Leeds (it was promised to us in 1995 after all), but I think that the extensive plans for all these sports cannot be ignored.

If anybody wants to add support for the campaign to bring ice hockey to leeds you can voice your oppinion at leedsicehockey.org.uk (http://www.leedsicehockey.org.uk).

Good luck with your plans Chris.
Tony
www.leedsicehockey.org.uk

Skychaser 2005

November 23rd, 2005, 12:46 AM

Having read through the initial feasibility study into the arena & other facilities I've got to say that I was really disappointed that the recommendations from PMP didn't include an ice-pad, and looking through the business plans for the arena the only sporting event they have included is a once a year wrestling show.

Therefore I'd like to join in the support of this plan from Leeds Arena Ltd, who want to include an olympic sized ice-pad and "an Event Floor for hosting a wide variety of sporting events such as acrobatic rock and roll, table tennis, wrestling, BMX cross-trial, curling, sliding disc, field hockey, judo, karate, handball, basketball, football, equestrian sport, modelling, motorsport, autosport, rollerskating, skating, speed skating, boxing, volleyball, weightlifting, taekwando, dancing, body building and fitness, badminton, gymnastics and fencing."

It's obvious from my username that I want to see hockey in Leeds (it was promised to us in 1995 after all), but I think that the extensive plans for all these sports cannot be ignored.

If anybody wants to add support for the campaign to bring ice hockey to leeds you can voice your oppinion at leedsicehockey.org.uk (http://www.leedsicehockey.org.uk).

Good luck with your plans Chris.
Tony
www.leedsicehockey.org.uk

When the Arena was planned for Elland Road some years ago, the talk was to base an Ice Hockey team there, called the Leeds Lazers. I think the name was chosen from a competition in the YEP.

Leeds Ice hockey

November 23rd, 2005, 02:19 AM

Thats right, the Caspian group first bought the rights for the hockey team, then sold them to Leeds Sporting who formulated the plans for the Elland Road arena.... We all know what happened next.

di Livio

November 23rd, 2005, 02:40 PM

I think the name was chosen from a competition in the YEP.

So do I.

The Oil

November 24th, 2005, 01:50 AM

Well Boys and Girls, I attended tonights meeting and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Before I start I have to say that we were bombarded with facts, figures and information for the 2 hour session so I'll definitely forget some stuff but hey ho....

Firstly, it was interesting to be in such exalted company. Attending were the Director and Chairman of The Civic Trust, the Head Of Opera North, the Chief conductor of Opera North, the Head of Leeds College Of Music, John Thorp (Leeds's Civic Architect), The Earl of Harewood and wife, Gordon Carey and my old English Teacher (which was a bit of a shock!).

The presentation was done by two guys from PMP whose names escape me at the moment. They were looking at the Provision of an Arena, a concert hall and a mid sized venue/or the renovation of the Town Hall. They started by going through a few facts and figures about Leeds. According to them there is 2.5 million people within a half hours drive of Leeds and a colossal 7.2 million people with 75 minutes drive of Leeds. That area included Manchester, Sheffield, Bradford and up and beyond Harrogate. Personally, I would have included Hull in there but perhaps I drive too fast!!

According to PMP that's a larger catchment area than any other city in the country apart form London. Also, they said they had spoken to a number of promoters (both sporting and music) who said that the biggest gap in the UK market for them was the lack of an Arena in Leeds. The bottom line is that I'm absolutely convinced we will have an Arena within the next 5 years. The figures added up, an arena is projected to make a profit and there were no cautionery tales or possible pitfalls mentioned or alluded to. PMP were absolutely clear that they believed Leeds could sustain an Arena and have whole heartedly endorsed the idea of one.

Also, enouragingly enough, they also expressed a desire for the design of the building to be "iconic" and instantly recognisable. It seems PMP's architectural consultants are MAKE which (I think?) designed the Kite Building but I may be wrong. It was suggested by PMP that Arenas are architects latest "plaything" as there was no accepted design. Later in the question and answer session one of PMP guys revealed he was in charge of The Lowry Gallery in Manchester during it's building and the first two years of it's life and how he felt it had been massively cheapened by the tat that's been built alongside it. (War museum aside I think) Made me chuckle!!!

So, the next stage is where does the Arena go? They had 5 sites identified. Elland Road, Shannon Street, Sweet Street, Stourton and somewhere else. Personally I'm hoping for a city centre site not an out of town one, I want an MEN site, not a Hallem Arena site. If you agree get in touch with the Leeds Initiative, they were saying tonight that they were very interested in public opinion.

Interestingly there was no representative from our friends at the Leeds Arena Group. I was a bit surprised about that, perhaps Chris could enlighten us, especially in light of the other discussions later on (more of which later).

Onto the concert hall. This was the liveliest discussion! The PMP study told Leeds to forget about a Bridgewater Hall or a SAGE because when these halls were built the Arts Council had money coming out of it's ears and gave them millions in grants. Now they've got no money so Leeds can forget any influx of cash. "Get over it" seemed to be the message. Bearing that in mind the choice is modernisation of the town hall or a new concert hall. The findings of the PMP have been submitted to the Culture Commitee of Leeds City Council and they have recommended the modernisation of the town hall.

To support this PMP included quotes from three prominent composers/conductors/classical musicians (can you tell I'm not into classical music!?!?) who said the Town Hall was ace, great building comparable to somewhere in Vienna and St Petersburgh blah blah. Added to the fact that £60m would have to be found for a new building and the chances of that are remote by this time I was convinced that renovation of the Town Hall was the way forward.

End of presentation, question and answer session came next. Not many questions about the arena, some bloke from Beeston said they didn't want it at Elland Road and also queried whether a 13,000 seater Arena was big enough. He was particularly worried about the Arena's ability to hold "Disney On Ice"!?!? Some other people asked why it had taken so long to get the arena going but everyone, even the councils critics seemed appeased by PMP's findings, so I reiterate my conviction that we will have an Arena within 5 years.

Then the ex leader of Leeds music group (sic) came on and said forget about the grants, culture should be actively promoted by the council and they should find the money. He also stated that he was mates with the leader of Newcaslte City Council when the SAGE funding was granted and how it was cynically put in Gateshead because it was so deprived therefore a grant was a shoe in (am paraphrasing there). His point was a responsible, forward thinking council should pay for cultural growth regardless of grants because behind the shiny facade of the SAGE and Bridgewater Hall etc were cities that were still hellholes anyway and these projects hadn't done anything to alleviate that which was the reason behind the grants!!!

Then the Opera North people, Lord Harewood, The College Of Music people and others really laid into PMP complaing (very reasonably) that they as the largest users of the Town Hall hadn't been consulted and that the Town Hall is an awful venue with terrible acoustics!! One by one they laid into it and accused the PMP people of finding/manipulating the positive quotes they had given earlier.

The complaints semmed to be: Poor Acoustics, Terrible seats, Restricted View, No Disabled facilities, awful stage and it was too small. At this point Gordon Carey stepped in. As a member of the Leeds Cultural Commitee he stessed that the idea of a new concert hall hadn't been ruled out but that it was a long term project and the Town Hall renovation was a short term one. So, after all this I have now changed my mind and think that a new concert hall is required as the Town Hall sounds like it's terrible and the 20m refurbishment will bring improvements but no permanent and satisfactory concert hall. By the way, Gordon Carey looks like the lead singer of Hermans Hermits.

There's more but I'm typed out and I need to remember what else was said, I'd recommend attending the next one.

As a final thought: Chris Silverwood, if you, or someone from your group, had been there you could have explained your magic 3000 seater within a 13,000 seater Arena plan. This (if your 3000 seater is top notch acoustically) actually provides everyone in that room tonight with a perfect solution, this was a missed opportunity....

Leeds No.1

November 24th, 2005, 02:15 AM

hmm interesting. Seems like the general jist is 'build one!' So therefore I think these are more about where, what (facilities), who (artists) than should we build one. Bearing in mind about MAKE, I wonder if they will sneakily slip in something somewhat like their tower in this, they were quite keen to find a site...

As for the catchment, Hull is definetley within a 75min drive of Leeds! Harrogate and Bradford certainly within that- Bradford- 10mins taking in traffic? Harrogate 20mins...

It is good that there are other large cities to support it. Leeds will obviously draw in people from Manchester (and vice versa) because the same artist cant be in two places at once, and it is unlikely a major artist would place 2 venues so close to each other, so this is one of the few examples where 'competetion' if you like can be positive. This shows therefore that an arena in Leeds would be succesful as Manchesters and Sheffields both are.

Leeds Ice hockey

November 24th, 2005, 02:38 AM

75 minutes to Hull is more than enough! As well as Manc to the west you've also got the whole of East Lancashire. Blackburn is about an hour away if you know how to avoid the M62, just over if not. Preston would be about 75 minutes if there's no police on the road, but that might be stretching it a bit.

Fred2

November 24th, 2005, 12:11 PM

Well Boys and Girls, I attended tonights meeting and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Before I start I have to say that we were bombarded with facts, figures and information for the 2 hour session so I'll definitely forget some stuff but hey ho....

Thanks for that most comprehensive report, OIL. Sorry I missed that meeting. I would have had something to say about money being wasted trying to tart up the Town Hall to be an acceptable music venue.

Stig282

November 24th, 2005, 03:10 PM

LN1 - 20 mins from Harrogate to Leeds Centre is a bit eager! I thought I drove fast!

di Livio

November 24th, 2005, 03:11 PM

Then the ex leader of Leeds music group (sic) came on and said forget about the grants, culture should be actively promoted by the council and they should find the money.

Thanks for a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining account of the meeting, Oil.

I'd agree with the chap above. If Leeds values the arts, it has to be prepared to pay for world-class cultural facilities.

Leeds No.1

November 24th, 2005, 06:18 PM

No believe me, 20 mins (when its not peak time mind) can get you from Harrogate-Leeds, it only takes about 10 mins between Pannal and Alwoodley Gates. From Town Centre-City Centre is more like 30, but basically its way less than 75... It takes 35mins on the train...

I do think Leeds should get a major arts/culture venue but in the end its all about money so it would probably be seen as too expensive...

di Livio

November 24th, 2005, 07:16 PM

I do think Leeds should get a major arts/culture venue but in the end its all about money so it would probably be seen as too expensive...

The BBC invests more of its radio funds in Radio 3 than any other radio service because it values it as a national resource for high culture. (Radio 3 remains a minority station btw). Subsidy for the arts in Leeds could operate in a similar way. (i guess that would open up a debate about whose idea of 'culture' should be valued).

Does anyone know how the West Yorkshire Playhouse was funded?

The Oil

November 25th, 2005, 12:02 AM

The BBC invests more of its radio funds in Radio 3 than any other radio service because it values it as a national resource for high culture. (Radio 3 remains a minority station btw). Subsidy for the arts in Leeds could operate in a similar way. (i guess that would open up a debate about whose idea of 'culture' should be valued).

Does anyone know how the West Yorkshire Playhouse was funded?

One thing I forgot last night was the suggestion of a "Culture Tax" as part of the Council Tax. They suggested £12 per year - apparently it was met with a distinct lack of enthusiasm so the idea was discarded but I think it's an avenue worth looking at.

jimbo

November 25th, 2005, 12:55 AM

One thing I forgot last night was the suggestion of a "Culture Tax" as part of the Council Tax. They suggested £12 per year - apparently it was met with a distinct lack of enthusiasm so the idea was discarded but I think it's an avenue worth looking at.

absolutely, well done Oil, good to see so many people at the meeting, and that enough of them are the movers and shakers in Leeds. Earl of Harewood must be getting on abit, and surprised he's not in Australia where he lives most of the year. Perhaps winter on the Harewood estate is more enjoyable than a cattle ranch?!?

Leeds Ice hockey

November 25th, 2005, 01:16 AM

I know where I'd rather be this time of year!

Fred2

November 25th, 2005, 02:16 AM

LN1 - 20 mins from Harrogate to Leeds Centre is a bit eager! I thought I drove fast!

I agree. It must take at least 30 minutes. The 36 bus takes 35-40 minutes.

Leeds No.1

November 25th, 2005, 02:28 AM

Yeah coz it doesn't go along Scott Hall Road...

HOI

November 25th, 2005, 12:44 PM

Admitt it LN1, u were speeding ;<

Fred2

November 25th, 2005, 01:15 PM

Admitt it LN1, u were speeding ;<

Of course he must have been !!

I live 5 miles from town and 10 miles fromn Harrogate. It takes 30-45 minutes by car - depending on traffic - from centre to centre

Stig282

November 25th, 2005, 01:55 PM

Wetherby is a good 35 mins from Leeds city centre, even when I am speeding I can only do Roundhay to Wetherby in 20 mins!

Leeds No.1

November 25th, 2005, 06:34 PM

(double post)

Leeds No.1

November 25th, 2005, 06:44 PM

What! 45 minutes, how slow do you drive! Bradford or York City Centre takes 40! About 24km (city centre, the distance between the outskirts can be covered very quickly when theres no traffic), and the average speed probably about 100km/h, it would be 50km=1/2hr, 25km=15 minutes. Thats rough but true but add on traffic, not straight road etc it is about 20-25mins...

Rob

November 25th, 2005, 08:30 PM

Some of us have these number plate things on our cars, and those little flashy speed camera things would eat us for dinner. If I went to York in 40 minutes, I'd be owing about £2000 in fines and have been banned about 10 times over with the number of speed cameras on that route.

Leeds Ice hockey

November 26th, 2005, 12:29 AM

You must take a different route to me then Rob. 40 minutes is easy to York.

daveylad2

November 26th, 2005, 12:52 AM

aviator

November 26th, 2005, 01:10 AM

As some of us got slapped pandies for talking about (and posting pictures of) parks in this thread, I feel that it's only fair that I point out that the thread is going off topic again. :) Why not start a new thread? "How quick you can get from point A to Point B" might be a good title.

BTW, thanks for the report Oil.

You've just reminded me about the going off subject with the parks and all that. I meant to say there were some lovely pics, and it was great to see some of the less usual suspects being featured. As far as I'm concerned, you can go off-topic as often as you like.

Leeds No.1

December 3rd, 2005, 04:35 PM

Public looks ready to entertain £50m city arena project
By Paul Robinson
TIME is running out for people in Leeds to have their say on the proposals that could change the face of the city's entertainment scene forever.
A major public consultation exercise is being carried out on plans for a 13,000-seater arena capable of staging gigs by top names such as Coldplay and Kylie Minogue.
It was due to finish at the end of last month - but now the deadline for feedback to be submitted has been extended until December 23.
The Yorkshire Evening Post understands that the responses received to date have in the main been "very positive."
London-based consultancy PMP presented a report to the council during the summer which concluded that the construction of a £50m arena would make financial sense for Leeds.
The authority has since given the go-ahead to a £200,000 feasibility study looking at how the scheme could be delivered.
Its results are due early next year. However, civic leaders are stressing the opinions of the Leeds public will count for just as much as the findings of the experts as the city decides whether or not to press ahead with the arena project.
Sites
And to encourage as many children and young people as possible to make their views known, a special survey page has been set up on the council's www.breezeleeds.org youth website.
The authority's executive board member for learning, Coun Richard Harker, said: "It is important that they have their say in the development of Leeds.
"I hope many more will log on before December 23 and tell us their thoughts on music, exhibition and entertainment venues in the city."
Should the arena end up getting the green light, sites likely to be in the running to be its home include land next to Leeds United's Elland Road ground and Shannon Street, east of Quarry Hill.
Businessman Patrick Nally, meanwhile, is seeking support for a privately-financed entertainment complex at Clarence Dock, near the Royal Armouries museum.
l To take part in the consultation on line, visit the www.leedsinitiative.org website. Written replies can be sent to the Leeds Initiative, 40 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3DL.
Reference copies of the full PMP report are available to view at Leeds Central Library, Leeds Civic Hall or the Leonardo Building at 2 Rossington Street, off Millennium Square.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk
03 December 2005

Chris Silverwood

January 10th, 2006, 04:19 PM

Happy New Year Everyone,

Hope that you are all well? Please find below the latest press report re the arena. For our part we remain committed to bringing a ground-breaking, multi-purpose arena to Leeds.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Director
Leeds Arena Ltd

E : Chris.Silverwood@LeedsArena.com

It's a public thumbs-up to Leeds arena
Council set to press ahead
By Paul Robinson
COUNCIL chiefs today issued a "full steam ahead" pledge after Leeds's entertainment arena dream won a wholehearted thumbs-up from the public.
The results of a major consultation exercise on plans to build a state-of-the-art concert complex in the city are due to be announced in the next few days.
And the Yorkshire Evening Post understands they will show there is overwhelming support for an arena among the people of Leeds.
Positive
City council leader Andrew Carter has now vowed to grab the project by "the scruff of the neck" and ensure rapid progress is made on it.
Coun Carter says he ideally wants to have funding and a private sector partner in place by the summer.
Today he told the YEP: "I'm expecting an extremely positive outcome from the consultation.
"Then it will be time to take this thing by the scruff of the neck and drive it forward as quickly as possible."
The council is currently poised to appoint a team of consultants to explore ways that an arena could be financed.
It is hoped that work will be concluded in the spring, at which point the local authority should be in a position to formally decide whether it will press ahead with the scheme.
Last year a major report to the council called for the construction of a 13,000-seater arena, which would be capable of staging gigs by top names like REM and The Rolling Stones.
The project would cost around £50m, and it is likely it would be paid for with a mix of public and private money.
A number of sites have already been identified as possible homes for the complex, including land next to Leeds United's Elland Road ground and Shannon Street, east of Quarry Hill.
Businessman Patrick Nally has also drawn up plans for a £65m arena near the Royal Armouries at Clarence Dock, which he says would require no public sector investment.
The consultation exercise was carried out by the Leeds Initiative, the city's public-private strategic partnership.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk

I'm expecting an extremely positive outcome from the consultation – Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council
10 January 2006

Scarecrow

January 10th, 2006, 04:26 PM

Last year a major report to the council called for the construction of a 13,000-seater arena, which would be capable of staging gigs by top names like REM and The Rolling Stones.
Lucky bastards. Our City Council want Madonna and U2... :rant:

jimbo

January 15th, 2006, 08:43 PM

Leeds No.1

January 19th, 2006, 06:43 PM

Similar article...

Public says Yes to plans for an arena
By Paul Robinson
AN AMBITIOUS plan which could make Leeds one of the UK's cultural capitals now officially has people power on its side.
That was the upbeat message today after civic leaders revealed the results of a public consultation exercise on moves to give the city an arena capable of staging concerts by rock and pop's biggest names.
As predicted by the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this month, they show overwhelming support for the idea.
A massive 94 per cent of the 2,000-plus people who took part in the survey said they would use the proposed 13,000-seater facility.
There was also a vote of confidence for two other schemes which the city council could set in motion at the same time as an arena project.
Just under 70 per cent of the respondents said they were in favour of spending £20m on turning Leeds Town Hall into a top-flight classical music venue.
Nearly 75 per cent, meanwhile, said Leeds should have a new conference and exhibition centre.
The three-month consultation exercise was carried out by the Leeds Initiative, the city's public-private strategic partnership.
It was launched in September, after a feasibility study commissioned by the partnership concluded that the construction of a concert complex would make financial sense for the city.
Councillors will now use the findings of that study and the consultation exercise to help them make a formal decision on whether to press ahead with the arena and the two related schemes. The local authority will also take into account the views of a team of outside experts who will look at ways in which all three ventures could be funded.
It is thought an arena would cost around £50m, and it is likely it would be paid for with a mix of public and private cash.
Council leader Andrew Carter said: "We are now confident that the whole city is behind these new developments."
Tom Morton, chairman of the Leeds Initiative's cultural facilities task group, added: "This support is a clear indication that people have aspirations for their city which need to be met."
A number of sites have already been identified as possible homes for an arena, including land next to Leeds United's Elland Road ground.
Businessman Patrick Nally has drawn up separate plans for a £65m indoor bowl near the Royal Armouries museum.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk

hammerb24

January 21st, 2006, 04:27 PM

Hope this comes off for you, was in Leeds not so long ago and enjoyed an excellent night out. Coming from a Brummie I can tell you that a city centre concert venue adds 'something' to the nightlife feel, can't put my finger on what other than how much more busy it makes it.

Chris Silverwood

March 1st, 2006, 12:12 PM

Morning,

Hope everyone is well. Just thought I would let you have some further information re our proposed arena in Leeds. As you will see from the text of the procurement notice below, we should now at least have some kind of decision by the end of the summer.

Let me have your thoughts.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd
Chris.Silverwood@LeedsArena.com

UK-Leeds: procurement consultancy services

2006/S 39-042157

CONTRACT NOTICE

Services

SECTION I: CONTRACTING AUTHORITY

I.1) NAME, ADDRESSES AND CONTACT POINT(S):
Leeds City Council, Legal and Democratic Services, Corporate Procurement Unit, 4th Floor West, Civic Hall, Attn: Julie Brennen, UK-Leeds LS1 1UR. Tel. 0113 247 4088. E-mail: julie.brennen@leeds.gov.uk. Fax 0113 2478862.
Internet address(es):
General address of the contracting authority: www.counciltenders.net.
Address of the buyer profile: www.counciltenders.net.
Further information can be obtained at: As in above-mentioned contact point(s).
Specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: As in above-mentioned contact point(s).
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to: As in above-mentioned contact point(s).
I.2) TYPE OF THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND MAIN ACTIVITY OR ACTIVITIES:
Regional or local authority.
General public services.
The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities: no.

SECTION II: OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT

II.1) DESCRIPTION
II.1.1) Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority:
UK-Leeds: Consultant to Advise on Procurement of a Consortium for Proposed Multi-Purpose Arena and Associated Facilities.
II.1.2) Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance:
Services.
Service category: No 11.
Main place of performance: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.
II.1.3) The notice involves:
A public contract.
II.1.4) Information on framework agreement:
Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement:
Estimated value excluding VAT: 100 000 GBP.
II.1.5) Short description of the contract or purchase(s):
Consultant to advise and guide Leeds City Council in the procurement of a consortium comprising funder, developer and operator to develop a multi purpose arena with up to 12 500 seats and associated conference and exhibition facilities.
Procurement consultancy services.
Development consultancy services.
Business and management consultancy and related services.
II.1.6) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV):
74141800, 73220000, 74140000.
II.1.7) Contract covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA):
No.
II.1.8) Division into lots:
II.1.9) Variants will be accepted:
No.
II.2) QUANTITY OR SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT
II.2.1) Total quantity or scope:
To develop a detailed delivery plan and programme which the City Council can adopt to select a consortium comprising funder, developer and operator to develop multi-purpose arena and associated conference and exhibition facilities. To provide a full risk assessment. To advise on selection method of preferred site. To advise on funding model and funding implications. To define precise nature, type, scope, size and focus of proposed conference and exhibition facilities. To advise on any enabling development that would be required to support the provision and assist with the funding. To advise where and how the development opportunity should be presented to the market in order to secure the selection of a preferred consortium for the development of the facilities. See www.counciltenders.net for further details, under scheme id 504892.
Estimated value excluding VAT: 100 000 GBP.
II.2.2) Options:
Yes.
Description of these options: A continuing service may be required as the project proposals are developed. Work that may be required:
Stage 2 - To prepare a full package of marketing information to bring the development opportunity to the market. To project manage the implementation of the detailed delivery plan from advertising the development opportunity, responding to enquiries, evaluating expressions of interest to participating in the selection of preferred consortium to develop the facilities.
Stage 3 - Following selection of a preferred consortium to fund, develop and operate the facilities, to act as advisor to the City Council to conclude a legal and funding agreement with the consortium to develop such facilities.
II.3) DURATION OF THE CONTRACT OR TIME-LIMIT FOR COMPLETION:
Starting: 29.5.2006. Completion: 25.8.2006.

SECTION III: LEGAL, ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

III.1) CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE CONTRACT
III.1.1) Deposits and guarantees required:
Refer to tender documents.
III.1.2) Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions regulating them:
Refer to tender documents.
III.1.3) Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded:
III.1.4) Other particular conditions to which the performance of the contract is subject:
Yes.
(a) is bankrupt or is being wound up, where his affairs are being administered by the court, where he has entered into an arrangement with creditors, where he has suspended business activities or is in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure under national laws and regulations;
(b) is the subject of proceedings for a declaration of bankruptcy, for an order for compulsory winding up or administration by the court or of an arrangement with creditors or of any other similar proceedings under national laws and regulations;
(c) has been convicted by a judgment which has the force of res judicata in accordance with the legal provisions of the country of any offence concerning his professional conduct;
(d) has been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means which the contracting authorities can demonstrate;
(e) has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which he is established or with those of the country of the contracting authority;
(f) has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which he is established or with those of the country of the contracting authority;
(g) is guilty of serious misrepresentation in supplying the information required under this Section or has not supplied such information;
(h) has been the subject of a conviction for participation in a criminal organisation, as defined in Article 2(1) of Council Joint Action 98/733/JHA;
(i) has been the subject of a conviction for corruption, as defined in Article 3 of the Council Act of 26 May 1972 and Article 3(1) of Council Joint Action 98/742/JHA3 respectively;
(j) has been the subject of a conviction for fraud within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention relating to the protection of the financial interests of the European Communities;
(k) has been the subject of a conviction for money laundering, as defined in Article 1 of Council Directive 91/308/EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering.
Further details and copies of the pre-qualification questionnaire can be obtained from the Regional Electronic tendering System (RETS) web site at www.counciltenders.net. Once logged on, please enter the Scheme ID 504892 in the number field located in the navigation panel (blue box) on the left of the Home Page and click the 'Search' button. If you have any queries you can contact Julie Brennen, Procurement Officer, Corporate Procurement Unit, Legal and Democratic Services, Leeds City Council, Leeds LS1 1UR, tel. 0113 247 4088, fax 0113 247 8862 e-mail julie.brennen@leeds.gov.uk. The deadline for receipt of pre-qualification questionnaires is 12.00 Friday 24/03/2006. The selected list of tenderers will be compiled from the evaluation of the questionnaires (as set out in Articles 29- 35 of Directive 92/50/EC).
III.2) CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION
III.2.1) Personal situation of economic operators, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers:
III.2.2) Economic and financial capacity:
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if requirements are met: See III.2.1.2 above and refer to Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.
III.2.3) Technical capacity:
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if requirements are met: Please refer to Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and Tender Documents.
III.2.4) Reserved contracts:
No.
III.3) CONDITIONS SPECIFIC TO SERVICES CONTRACTS
III.3.1) Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession:
III.3.2) Legal entities should indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff responsible for the execution of the service:

SECTION IV: PROCEDURE

IV.1) TYPE OF PROCEDURE
IV.1.1) Type of procedure:
Restricted.
IV.1.2) Limitations on the number of operators who will be invited to tender or to participate:
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: Evaluation of the returned pre-qualification questionnaires.
IV.1.3) Reduction of the number of operators during the negotiation or dialogue:
IV.2) AWARD CRITERIA
IV.2.1) Award criteria:
The most economically advantageous tender in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document.
IV.2.2) An electronic auction will be used:
No.
IV.3) ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
IV.3.1) File reference number attributed by the contracting authority:
The scheme id is 504892. The project number is 3874.
IV.3.2) Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract:
No.
IV.3.3) Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents or descriptive document
Payable documents: no.
IV.3.4) Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate:
24.3.2006 - 12:00.
IV.3.5) Date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates:
10.4.2006.
IV.3.6) Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up:
English.
IV.3.7) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender:
IV.3.8) Conditions for opening tenders:
Persons authorised to be present at the opening of tenders: yes.
Council Officers.

SECTION VI: COMPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

VI.1) THIS IS A RECURRENT PROCUREMENT:
No.
VI.2) CONTRACT RELATED TO A PROJECT AND/OR PROGRAMME FINANCED BY EU FUNDS:
No.
VI.3) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
GO reference: GO 06022232/01.
VI.4) PROCEDURES FOR APPEAL
VI.4.1) Body responsible for appeal procedures:
VI.4.2) Lodging of appeals:
VI.4.3) Service from which information about the lodging of appeals may be obtained:
VI.5) DATE OF DISPATCH OF THIS NOTICE:
22.2.2006.

Typhoo25

March 1st, 2006, 08:41 PM

Leeds No.1

March 1st, 2006, 08:45 PM

If its true, the location is good in that it has similar big attractions near it BUT I dont think it's a good location in that its too far out. City Centre is unbeatable really.

Skychaser 2005

March 2nd, 2006, 01:45 AM

May have missed this on the forum somewhere, but was reading in the Leeds economy bulletin that plans or proposals have been submitted for a 13000 seat arena at Xscape as a part of a £200m complex including a new rugby stadium and super casino. As I firmly count this area as Leeds (I live here), this is both good news and some competition for the area.

I can't believe LCC would highlight an Arena development on the Xscape site. Firstly it is in the Wakefield district, not Leeds, and secondly, it is too far out of the city. Which months bulletin did you read it in Tyhoo?

Chris Silverwood

March 2nd, 2006, 09:48 AM

Hi,

You are indeed correct, it is a company called Waystone. It was in the February 2006 edition.

We are confident that our proposal has a better chance of succeeding.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood

Chris Silverwood

March 2nd, 2006, 10:11 AM

Actually just re-reading my last message, I need to make it clear that what Waystone are proposing is a new rugby ground for Castleford Tigers, with a casino which will hold the odd rock concert now and then. They are not proposing a multi-use all seater arena.

See http://www.casinotimes.co.uk/casino-news/2006-02/waystone-070206.htm

for further details, or

www.waystone.co.uk for their corporate website.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Leeds Arena Ltd

The Oil

March 2nd, 2006, 11:48 AM

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the update, I was beginning to lose the will to live over this, the council seem to have been very quiet lately. Is the procurement notice you posted above the council's way of inviting tenders for the Arena? Are they also inviting you to name a site or have they earmarked one themselves?

As usual, good luck and fingers crossed!

SmartCity

March 2nd, 2006, 09:45 PM

di Livio

March 15th, 2006, 01:39 PM

Council to approach developers over city arena plan
Exclusive
David Parkin

PLANS for a new 13,000-seat arena in Leeds have moved significantly closer after the city council revealed that it will approach developers later this year.
The project, which is likely to include facilities for exhibitions and conferences, is currently being assessed by specialist consultants who will recommend who the council should approach to develop, fund and operate the arena.

A three-stage feasibility study by consultants PMP has already identified that Leeds lacks an indoor all-seater arena similar to venues in Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle and that it could support one of around 13,000 seats.
But Jean Dent, Leeds City Council's director of development, said the competition by firms wanting to develop an arena was likely to be strong and that it could be larger than 13,000 seats.

"We will be marketing the arena of around 13,000 seats and some level of exhibition and conferencing space later in 2006. The more competitive it is in terms of operators and funding then the better it will be."
Ms Dent said the council would not restrict the scheme to one specific site, but allow bidders to put forward their own plans.
Potential sites include land owned by the council near the Royal Armouries, next to Kirkstall Road or to the south of the city at Stourton.
"Once we have identified potential operators then we will ask if there is a need for public sector funding," she added.

Ms Dent was speaking at the MIPIM European property conference in Cannes, where she unveiled a £3bn public investment programme for Leeds over the next decade which she said was likely to trigger billions of pounds of new investment from the private sector.
15 March 2006

..

Leeds No.1

March 15th, 2006, 06:20 PM

13,000 seats- Im sure it could be much bigger! Any would be good, but considering that Millennium Square can hold over half of that...

di Livio

March 16th, 2006, 12:02 PM

I'd like to see the thing at Clarence Dock to bring a bit of movement down there and reduce the walled city effect of all the East end residential developments.

Leeds No.1

March 16th, 2006, 06:30 PM

How do you mean a 'walle city effect'. Because of all the large developments?

di Livio

March 16th, 2006, 09:11 PM

Walled in the sense that the spaces are mainly for the residents who occupy the apartment blocks - there's not much point in being down there if you don't live or work in the area.

Leeds No.1

April 10th, 2006, 12:58 PM

leedstoday.net

Rock on – arena study team is finally on its way
Council hope to have report by the summer
By Paul Robinson

AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million pound concert arena in Leeds are set to take a significant stride forward.
Council chiefs gave the go-ahead last November to the appointment of a team of consultants to look into ways that the £50m scheme could be funded.
It has now emerged, though, that red tape linked to the European Union means those experts have yet to be chosen.
But the YEP has also learned that interviews with a number of firms interested in carrying out the £200,000 study are finally about to get under way.
It is hoped the successful bidder will be able to start work quickly enough to present a report to civic leaders by the summer.
A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said today: "We've identified a shortlist of companies that have got the relevant skills and we will shortly be inviting these to tender for the contract."
Cultural
Consultants PMP completed a feasibility study on new cultural facilities for the council last summer which concluded that the construction of a 13,000-seater arena was the way forward for Leeds.
Public opinion is also firmly behind the idea, with 94 per cent of the people who took part in a recent survey saying they would use the proposed complex.
One of the scheme's highest-profile supporters, Leeds-based Crash Records boss Ian De-Whytell, led criticism of November's decision to bring in a second team of consultants to examine funding issues.
Senior councillors were adamant, though, that the move was the right one.
Andrew Carter, the authority's deputy leader at the time, said: "To suggest that on the back of the one report we have we should pick a developer and get on with it is the view of an economic illiterate."
Today a spokeswoman for the council explained that consultants had yet to be appointed because of guidelines which mean local authorities have to advertise certain contracts across the EU for set lengths of time.
Sites
Several sites have been identified as possible homes for the arena, should civic chiefs decide to press ahead with the scheme once the new study is completed.
London-based businessman Patrick Nally, meanwhile, is seeking support for a privately-financed complex at Clarence Dock, near the Royal Armouries museum.
Leeds's lack of a state-of-the-art indoor concert venue means tours by top names like the Rolling Stones and Oasis invariably bypass the city in favour of rivals such as Manchester and Sheffield.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk
08 April 2006

Smoggie_Si

April 11th, 2006, 01:06 AM

That's an absolute joke and typically of the public sector modus operendi, when a decision is made it is to get a team of consultants on board to provaricate for months before telling the council exactly what they wanted to hear in the first place all because nobody in the council has the balls to make a decision without spending 100s of ks in tax payers money.

I've been told that there are at least 2 privately funded arena schemes proposed, of differing sizes. Why can't the council decide which one of these to grant planning permission to (I presume, although don't know, that they're both going for different sites) and let supply and demand economics do their bit.

Typhoo25

April 12th, 2006, 11:58 AM

It would not be a surprise if Mr Nally decided to take his money elsewhere and by the time the LCC have spent all the tax payers cash, they will spend an eternity attracting private investment.

Liam

April 12th, 2006, 01:00 PM

Your views on LCC 'modus operendi' are terrifyingly naive.

SmartCity

April 12th, 2006, 01:07 PM

It would not be a surprise if Mr Nally decided to take his money elsewhere and by the time the LCC have spent all the tax payers cash, they will spend an eternity attracting private investment.

It has to be said that the council has to be seen to be following protocol and eventually the project will (hopefully) be given to Mr Nally's scheme. Well one would hope! I only have one thing to add, 'get a bloody move on!'

The Oil

April 12th, 2006, 02:50 PM

Your views on LCC 'modus operendi' are terrifyingly naive.

That's cryptic. Care to elaborate?

Chris Silverwood

April 12th, 2006, 07:23 PM

Dear All,

Hope you are well? It's my turn to be cryptic now! Expect an absolutely huge news announcement from us, late next week. Have a great Easter.

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood
Director
Leeds Arena Ltd
chris.silverwood@leedsarena.com
www.leedsarena.com

Leeds No.1

April 12th, 2006, 07:50 PM

:Can take a guess at what the 'absolutely huge announcement' will be :D. Then again it could be :(. But I got a funny feeling its not!

Smoggie_Si

April 12th, 2006, 08:15 PM

Your views on LCC 'modus operendi' are terrifyingly naive.

Cynical yes, guilty as charged, but I've never been accused of being naive! :D

I've done consultancy work for public sector bodies myself and it is absolutely terrifying how decisions will not be made without paying at least one consulting firm. Not just my opinion, I've heard similar stories from colleagues in a similar line of work to me.

I know that you work for LCC and so will take their side, but does it not seem absurd to commission consultants to decide that a study should be undertaken by other consultants to ascertain whether the demand is there for an Arena in Leeds when there are privately funded projects on the table willing to deliver an arena with no public funded needed!

Leeds No.1

April 12th, 2006, 08:23 PM

That is very true; if the money is there and only planning permission is needed, then sin't it just obvious that should go ahead asap? And if the city still wants the arena the council wants, then build two! It doesn't matter, one isn't costing anything from the city! No loss...

The Oil

April 13th, 2006, 12:01 AM

but does it not seem absurd to commission consultants to decide that a study should be undertaken by other consultants to ascertain whether the demand is there for an Arena in Leeds when there are privately funded projects on the table willing to deliver an arena with no public funded needed!

Ha! That's not all. On Jan 15th our esteemed Council Leader said he would be grabbing this project "by the scruff of it's neck". So far nothing. Not just that, the reason for the delay in appointing the consultants who will be consulting others on things that have already been consulted by consultants has been held up by "red tape linked to the European Union". Am I alone in thinking "What The Hell Does That Mean?????".

The usual mystery that surrounds this project continues. So far, in the red corner we have the Nally Group who claim to have funding, have a site, have a design and have experience in running Arena's. In the Blue/Green/Rainbow/Whatever corner we have a council who has commisioned a study that confirms what everyone knows already - Leeds needs and can sustain an Arena.

Not just that, they've even said they need £50m for one and have indicated that there is a good chance of getting the funds through the public and private sector. Not just that, they've also acknowledged the need for a symphony concert arena ala The Sage.

BUT, they can't raise the money for a concert hall. So they are going to throw £20m at the good old Town Hall effectively upgrading the shittiest major concert auditorium in the country to the most mediocre one!

A quick recap of the maths. £70m, mostly coming from the Leeds taxpayers pocket to build an arena and a refurb of a Victorian Cavern. Alternatively, accept the Nally bid and at the same time feel a certain sense of satisfaction in know in that not only will we have an Arena but a NEW symphony hall as part of that Arena thus saving us Taxpayers £70m

And for those who agree with the need for another report, because as Councillor Carter says " To suggest that on the back of the one report we have we should pick a developer and get on with it is the view of an economic illiterate.", lets consider this: As an economic illiterate I find spending the thick end of £400,000 on consultants ridiculous, the first report contains about as much economic information as anyone could ever need!

A final thought: Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham, Sheffield, Cardiff and probably other cities have Arenas. We are not trying to discover the secret of the time/space continuim here, it's not as if we're trying something new and original. When do we ever?

Having said all that, if Mr Silverwoods Group announces a deal next week I'll be as happy as a pig in shit!

Smoggie_Si

April 13th, 2006, 12:27 AM

Or the other privately funded option I've been told about, which also sounds very promising indeed.

BTW, totally agree LN1, I'm as bemused as you are!

Leeds No.1

April 13th, 2006, 01:11 AM

Well if we need a conert hall, use Nally's arena then use the taxpayers money which would be used for an arena for a concert hall like The Sage.

The Oil

April 13th, 2006, 01:11 AM

Or the other privately funded option I've been told about, which also sounds very promising indeed.

BTW, totally agree LN1, I'm as bemused as you are!

Any details?

Smoggie_Si

April 13th, 2006, 01:19 AM

Any details?

Sorry, got told in confidence and probably shouldn't have posted anything but a bit over excited after the Boro result and a few too many Guinni ;). Suffice to say that I understand (from a very reliable source) that another extremely reputable operator is interested in a Leeds arena.

Liam

April 13th, 2006, 11:26 AM

Cynical yes, guilty as charged, but I've never been accused of being naive! :D

I've done consultancy work for public sector bodies myself and it is absolutely terrifying how decisions will not be made without paying at least one consulting firm. Not just my opinion, I've heard similar stories from colleagues in a similar line of work to me.

I know that you work for LCC and so will take their side, but does it not seem absurd to commission consultants to decide that a study should be undertaken by other consultants to ascertain whether the demand is there for an Arena in Leeds when there are privately funded projects on the table willing to deliver an arena with no public funded needed!

Yes....I do work for LCC, and I tire of all the flack we recieve. Half of the problems with red tape etc are handed to LCC from on high. However, yes, I can see your point with regards getting in commision consultants in, although I doubt it would be in anyones interest to have a huge arena that nobody uses......I wonder who'd cop the blame for an under used stadium. LCC maybe?

Fred2

April 16th, 2006, 12:28 AM

Yes....I do work for LCC, and I tire of all the flack we recieve. Half of the problems with red tape etc are handed to LCC from on high. However, yes, I can see your point with regards getting in commision consultants in, although I doubt it would be in anyones interest to have a huge arena that nobody uses......I wonder who'd cop the blame for an under used stadium. LCC maybe?

Well, if a company is offering to build at its own expense why not? If things go wrong the city will not have to bear any losses. All the commission consultants in the world (and usually at great expense) will not necessarily get things right. Have you heard of 'optimistic appraisal'? A good case in point locally was the Royal Armouries. Projected attendance diverged wildly from what actuially happened, and it was only a change of government policy to abolish entrance fees to museums which saved it bacon.

The Oil

April 20th, 2006, 12:25 AM

Typhoo25

April 20th, 2006, 01:41 PM

Sat here waiting!!!!!

SmartCity

April 20th, 2006, 04:43 PM

Sat here waiting!!!!!

Me too. I'm getting bored now!!!!!!

Skychaser 2005

April 20th, 2006, 11:40 PM

Must be Friday..................Look out everyone for the news!

SmartCity

April 21st, 2006, 12:58 PM

......still waiting!!!!

maybe it'll be announced in the SUNDAY MIRROR lol.

Chris Silverwood

April 21st, 2006, 05:20 PM

hi sorry writing this on a beach using a blackberry so apologies if the format is all wrong?

Buy a Yorkshire Evening Post tomorrow.....

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood

LeedsLad

April 21st, 2006, 07:18 PM

Must be a very good announcement if you're on the beach with your feet up already!!

Rob

April 21st, 2006, 08:20 PM

Must be a very good announcement if you're on the beach with your feet up already!!

:lol:

The Oil

April 21st, 2006, 11:03 PM

Tomorrow it is then. Here's hoping for good news, for me this is the thing we need more than anything else.......

SmartCity

April 22nd, 2006, 01:47 AM

hi sorry writing this on a beach using a blackberry so apologies if the format is all wrong?

Buy a Yorkshire Evening Post tomorrow.....

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood

We've been looking forward to this one for so long......I take it this is the "nuclear option" then?

jimbo

April 22nd, 2006, 06:10 PM

hi sorry writing this on a beach using a blackberry so apologies if the format is all wrong?

Buy a Yorkshire Evening Post tomorrow.....

Kindest regards,

Chris Silverwood

Anyone seen it yet? The website hasn't been updated yet. What news from our scouts in the North? Arrrgh!

Even Flow

April 22nd, 2006, 06:15 PM

PhilBee

April 22nd, 2006, 07:18 PM

Jist of the story is that Mr Nally wants to provide an arena, which will primarily serve as an ice rink, but which is also capable of holding events and conferences. There has been some discussions about a link up between Leeds Rhinos and the ice hockey team, but discussions are at a very early stage. Thats about it really.
Ah well, another day older and still no wiser :old:

jimbo

April 22nd, 2006, 07:29 PM

Jist of the story is that Mr Nally wants to provide an arena, which will primarily serve as an ice rink, but which is also capable of holding events and conferences. There has been some discussions about a link up between Leeds Rhinos and the ice hockey team, but discussions are at a very early stage. Thats about it really.

hmmm, not exactly the nuclear option. Anyone feel like transcribing the actual text? Actually, I probably couldn't be bothered myself, so don't worry, can wait it appears on the leedstoday.net site.

SmartCity

April 22nd, 2006, 08:47 PM

I guess there is a need to trickle the information for press release to ensure that people keep interested. I was kinda hoping to see some shiny pics with possibly a nice tower in the scheme. Still it's progression.

Skychaser 2005

April 23rd, 2006, 02:06 PM

Here's the jist from the YEP report:

Leeds Rhinos could be about to lend their world famous name to a new ice hockey team.
The side would play in a state of the art 12,000 seater arena being planned for the centre of Leeds by businessman Patrick Nally.
A source said, "Ideally we want to be called Leeds Rhinos, rather than Leeds Lasers or Leeds Leopoards.
The rugby club would be paid substantially for the use of its name.

It goes on to say that the arena would function as an ice rink on a day to day basis, but could handle "dry floor" events like concerts and exhibitions.

As someone who works in the marketing business, I am not sure how well this idea would work. Confusion in the market place must surely occur. I would like to see a ice hockey team playing in a new Arena have its own identity which will build with the Arena.
Leeds Rhino's is a huge brand- for Superleague, The Leeds Lasers or Leopards could be a huge name in the ice hockey world.

Lets get the go ahead for the Arena, then worry about who is going to use its facilities and what they are going to be called.

LeedsLad

April 23rd, 2006, 05:19 PM

I agree about building the arena, then naming the team....
I think though that what they are trying to achieve is to cross over some loyalty and support from the Rhinos.... Ice Hockey is little supported in the UK so to get bums on seats they are trying to use the Rhinos brand - both sports are similar in some aspects (the rough and tumble physical aspects).
Can't imagine the danger a Rhino would pose on the ice though?....
I'm not too bothered what they call the ice-hockey team - not my sort of thing - still like to see teams from Leeds/Yorkshire do well though...

Smoggie_Si

April 23rd, 2006, 08:46 PM

Hmm, anyone else remember the ill fated Newcastle United sporting club in the mid 90s, including forays into Ice Hockey and Basketball using the Newcastle Arena? It failed miserably at a time when Ice Hockey was probably better followed than it is at the mo.

Whilst it was fairly big in the 80s and 90s in the North East and Sheffield, Leeds has very little history in Ice Hockey. Hope I'm wrong but can't see it being viable.

Also, love the typical YEP hyperbole, Leeds Rhinos are 'world famous' in England, Oz and NZ (and Perpignan!), sadly other countries have barely heard of RL let alone Leeds Rhinos. Still, their loss ;)

Metrolink

April 23rd, 2006, 08:57 PM

The time for arena ice hockey has been and gone to be honest.

In recent years, Manchester, Ayr, Newcastle, Belfast, Sheffield and London have all been arena teams that have gone bust (some have re-formed).

At the end of the last centuary (when the Ice Hockey Superleague was around) was the time to have an arena ice hockey team, today the trend is back towards small custom built rinks (Manchester have moved out of the very expensive 17,250 capacity MEN to build a much smaller 3,000 seat rink in Altrincham).

I predict Leeds will follow the path that the other arena teams have troden in years gone by...

Leeds will launch with huge local publicity, Leeds will get huge crowds for a couple of years (Manchester got over 44k people through the doors in 7 days in 1996 for 3 games, they also set and hold the UK record of 17,245).

After a while, the novelty will fade, and crowds will fall, the entertainment will based on razamataz rather than the ice hockey, after a while people will get bored of it, and crowds will drop.

In the mean time, the arena will become more and more popular with concerts (which will make the arena more money), which will mean the ice hockey games get moved to less popular nights (if Madonna wants to have a concert on a Saturday night then forget ice hockey on that night, and given the arena will be full of concerts through November and December there will be many ice hockey nights mid week - which will adversly affect atendences further.

This has happened in Belfast, Sheffield, Newcastle, Manchester and to some extent London (their arena got closed to be turned into flats).

Manchester went from averaging crowds of about 10k per game to less than 2k per game.

As I said, the boom in ice hockey was between in the mid / late 90's, unfortunately the bubble has well and truely burst now though.

Ramble over.

Smoggie_Si

April 23rd, 2006, 09:07 PM