Arena plan for city centre set for start of building work in spring

Members of the Leeds city centre plans panel approved detailed plans for the long-awaited 13,500- capacity venue at a meeting yesterday. The decision follows the arena gaining outline planning permission in March.

The panel also approved plans to refurbish Woodhouse Lane car park which will act as one of the two key Leeds Arena car parks once the venue opens. The other main arena car park is at the Merrion Centre.

Planning approval comes on the back of the venue recently securing an entertainment licence which will allow it to legally operate as an arena and the completion of excavation work at the city centre site where it will be located in Clay Pit Lane.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member responsible for city development, said last night: "This is a major step forward for the arena project. It means that all the necessary planning and licensing approvals have been secured and everything is in place for building work to start in the spring.

"It was extremely encouraging to receive the positive response to the external and internal designs of the building and the Leeds Arena design will add something really special to Leeds.

Coun Lewis added: "More importantly, this is great news for the local businesses and residents and all those people who will benefit from this project, from the hundreds of jobs it will secure, to the huge economic and regeneration benefits it will bring to the city."

The work to Woodhouse Lane car park will involve essential concrete repair and strengthening work and the creation of a new stair and lift tower and a pedestrian access bridge will be built. Improved lighting and CCTV surveillance will be installed.

It is planned that the Leeds Arena will open to the public in early 2013.