NEC Group unveils National Indoor Arena redevelopment

Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena (NIA) has unveiled the design for its planned £20.6m transformation.
 
The modernisation of the NIA aims to take advantage of its canal location in the city centre and will feature a new showcase entrance straight from Brindleyplace into the arena, with large glazed views over the water and the city.
 
The work is set to get underway in late 2012 and will include improved facilities and a much greater emphasis on both the pre- and post-event experience. The flow within the venue will be made much easier, says the NIA, increasing ease of access and comfort for promoters, artists and visitors to the building.
 
The NIA was officially opened in 1991 by Olympic athlete Linford Christie and this year has hosted the FIG Trampoline and Tumbling World Championships, the qualifying event for the discipline ahead of the London 2012 Olympics and the first time the event has been held in the UK since 1967.
 
This year also saw Disney on Ice come to the Arena twice, as well as internationally renowned artists including Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Kings of Leon.
 
The improvement work is key to continuing success, according to venue managers.The new design includes further opportunities for retail units with an extra 5,926sqm of space added.
 
“The NIA is already one of the central features in our world-class events and conferencing offer, as well as a vital asset for our economy, generating £150m in economic benefit and supporting around 2,500 jobs in the wider economy,” says Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby. “Clearly, if we are to retain and grow our reputation as an events city we need to invest in the future.”
 
Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, which owns the NIA, says: “We are proud to unveil the new look for the NIA venue alongside the plans that we have to turn it into the next generation of arena, as we position the venue as a real focal point for live entertainment.”
 
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