Operator named for Hull Venue
5 Dec 2016 Yorkshire
Operator named for Hull Venue
The company behind the First Direct Arena in Leeds, Manchester Arena and York Barbican has been appointed to run Hull's proposed 43€m music and events centre.
Plans for the 3,500-seater Hull Venue, which is viewed as an integral component of the City of Culture legacy, were approved in March.
Now, Hull City Council has confirmed that SMG Europe Holdings has been awarded preferred bidder status to run the facility.
Subject to finalisation of the legal agreements for occupation, operation and management, SMG will be awarded a 25-year contract to operate Hull Venue.
The company also runs the First Direct Arena in Leeds, Manchester Arena, York Barbican, and The Baths Hall & Plowright Theatre, and has previous booked performances by the likes of Kings of Leon, Strictly Come Dancing Live and Little Mix.
The venue is being built by BAM Construction Ltd, with the company having already started work to clear the site. Completion is expected in 2018
Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said: "Today's announcement demonstrates the commitment from the council to this project.
"SMG and BAM both have fantastic reputations in their respective industries and I am delighted to have them both on board.
"Hull Venue is a key landmark scheme, which is critical to the development of the city and our plans to make Hull a world-class visitor destination.
"2017 is just the beginning for Hull and these legacy projects will ensure that Hull continues on the journey as a great cultural city after its year in the spotlight."
John Sharkey, executive vice president of European Operations for SMG Europe, said: "We're delighted to be selected as the preferred bidder to operate the new Hull Venue and we look forward to working with council and the destination marketing team to bring a range of new events to the city, building on what looks like an exciting City of Culture programme."
The centre, set to open in 2018, will include a 3,500 capacity concert auditorium, with the flexibility to reduce to a 2,500 all-seated event and a 2,000m2 exhibition space, plus an 800 capacity conference auditorium.
Legal and technical information is being drawn up with SMG prior to the formal documentation being finalised shortly.