Leeds Arena 'will be a success'
Dienstag, 22 September 2009
The new Leeds Arena will become one of the top 10 concert venues in the world, according to the managing director of its management company.
John Sutherland, of SMG Europe, told a meeting of business leaders at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce lunch that the venue would turn Leeds into a "truly international city".
SMG Europe will manage and operate the planned 12,500 seat venue at Claypit Lane, which is set to open in three years' time. Mr Sutherland said the company, which also created the Louisiana Superdome, has no plans for "turning back on the project" and added that "absolutely it will be a success".
He said: "The number of concerts and projected ticket sales we have forecast will put the Leeds Arena at the forefront of major international venues."
President of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Gary Lumby, said the new development is "an exciting prospect for Leeds".
Mr Lumby said research carried out revealed the arena would "bring in an astonishing £27 million per annum in economic advantage to the city region," as well as creating a number of jobs.
Copyright © Press Association 2009