The UK is witnessing a surge of exciting new venues opening and launching, positioning the country as a premier destination for world-class events.
Conference News looks at five new UK venues opening in 2025-2026:
The Sage
Amount spent: £2 bn investment in The Sage development and surrounding multi-purpose areas.
Date of opening:
Sage International Conference Centre: Autumn 2025
Dual-branded Hotel: Autumn 2025
Sage Arena: 2027
Details: The Sage Arena and International Conference Centre (ICC) is a major development in Gateshead, on the banks of the River Tyne. It includes a 12,500-capacity arena and an ICC with 5,720 sqm of exhibition space, 2,520 sqm of adaptable meeting space, and 17 conference rooms. The project will attract more than 1 million visitors annually, contribute £99m per annum to the local economy, and create over 2,000 jobs. It also acts as a catalyst for £2bn of further investment, transforming the south bank of the Tyne. The Sage is backed by £20m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The Belfry
Amount spent: £80m expansion and renovation of The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield.
Date of opening: Expected to be completed by autumn 2025. It includes the new Masters Suite (852 sqm), which can host up to 920 guests, with panoramic views of the Brabazon golf course.
Details:
In addition to the Masters Suite, the development will feature 149 new bedrooms, a new Leisure Club with a large pool, hot tubs, a gym, and 80 electric vehicle charging points. The Belfry’s existing facilities include 23 event spaces, 319 hotel rooms, and three golf courses, one of which has hosted the Ryder Cup four times. The project is backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Cedar Capital Partners, aiming to reinforce The Belfry’s reputation as a luxury venue for large-scale events.
Olympia Events
Amount spent: £1.3 bn, making it one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe.
Date of opening: The transformed Olympia London is set to open in 2025, with various attractions, including hotels, a music arena, and more.
Details:
The Olympia redevelopment will transform the venue into a 0.2sqm creative district. Key features include a 4,000-seat music venue, a 1,574-seat theatre operated by Trafalgar Entertainment, and two hotels (Hyatt Regency and Citizen M). The development will also include 46,451 sqm of office space, 30 restaurants and cafés, and over two acres of public spaces. Additionally, a new conference centre is planned for 2026, with an 850-seat auditorium, 11 breakout rooms, and 2,000 sqm of flexible event space.
Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC)
Amount spent: £73m development, replacing the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
Date of opening: Expected completion by 2026.
Details:
The MLEC will feature a 1,200-seat theatre, a 2,400-capacity conference and exhibition space, offices, meeting rooms, and hospitality facilities such as a café and restaurant. The development will attract over 500,000 visitors annually and generate £18m for the local economy each year. The project includes the Light Fantastic, a unique water and light show on Marine Lake. Funded by £37.5m from the Town Deal and £17.7m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the venue will be managed by ASM Global and is set to create 290 jobs.
Everton Stadium
Amount spent: £760m, up from initial estimates of £500m, making it one of the UK’s most expensive stadium projects.
Date of opening: Everton Football Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is scheduled for completion by late 2024.
Details:
The stadium will have a 52,888-seat capacity and will be used for football matches, concerts, and large events. The development is expected to generate £1.3 bn in economic impact, attract 1.4m visitors annually, and create thousands of jobs. It is also seen as a key component in the regeneration of the surrounding Liverpool area, contributing to the city’s economic and community growth.
