Bristol Arena is expected to be completed by 2017. (Rendering by Populous)
As winner of the RIBA International design competition, Populous has been named architect of Bristol Arena, an entertainment and sports venue located in the city of Bristol, the only major United Kingdom city that does not have an arena.
The design, one of five finalists in the competition, was chosen due to deliverability, affordability, flexibility, efficiency and sustainability as well as meeting the requirements of the Bristol City Council and arena operator SMG with Live Nation.
Populous will be working with local architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, BuroHappold Engineering and sound specialists Vanguardia on the project. Work on the arena is expected to begin in January of next year and be completed at the end of 2017.
“The Bristol Arena project brings together a number of experienced partners, working together with Bristol City Council to create a fantastic arena and legacy for the city of Bristol,” said Nicholas Reynolds, senior principal at Populous.
The £91m ($136 million U.S.) outlay of the build is based on a detailed plan of costs undertaken by AECOM, consultant on the project and a global provider of professional technical and management support services. About $56 million will be funded through operator rental and other related income once the arena is built.
The Economic Development Fund, a part of City Deal, will meet the full remaining cost through borrowing $79 million. City Deal is an arrangement to retain business rate growth from the Enterprise Areas and Enterprise Zone across the four partner councils.
“This brings the arena one step closer,” said Colin Skellett, chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. “The Local Enterprise Partnership is working closely on the whole of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone with Bristol City Council, and we are already seeing real signs of regeneration with distinctive new buildings bringing more jobs to the city.”
The arena is expected to be a catalyst for the regeneration of the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, creating up to 1,400 jobs and stimulating millions of pounds of economic growth in the area.
Located next to Temple Meads and the Bath Road, Bristol Arena will have a flexible design to seat 12,000 for concerts and 4,000 as an amphitheater.
“This design creates the platform for amazing experiences. The combination of functional flexibility and performance quality will make the arena a 'must play' venue for all artists,” Reynolds said. “Live music, sports, comedy and family shows will all have their own unique atmosphere and environment. Just like the 02 Arena in London, top acts will want to play at Bristol Arena.”
The design reflects the city’s history, while the building adds to its skyline. Exterior elements will include a masonry plinth base that reflects surrounding buildings and a crystalline upper form to mirror the changing face and form of the city.
The arena also will be designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, making it the UK’s most sustainable arena. Green elements include a displacement ventilation system and provision for the biggest building-based photovoltaic, or solar array system in the city. A new cycle and pedestrian link also will be created between the station and the residential areas to the south and east.
The acoustics will be controlled within the space using building fabric to minimize sound break out.
Interviewed for this story: Nicholas Reynolds, 447878 635 084; Colin Skellett, 0117 903 6868