Revealed: Inside the new Leeds Arena

Computer-generated images released yesterday show a fan-shaped "super theatre" design which promises to give every seat in the house a perfect sight-line to the stage.

Detailed design work on the internal configuration of the arena is already at an advanced stage and features a theatre design where the seats fan out from the stage.

A Leeds Council spokesman said: "This guarantees that every seat enjoys perfect sightlines of centre stage with 68 metres the longest distance from the stage as opposed to 90-95 metres at a conventional arena."

Coun Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds Council, said: "These images are very exciting and show how the Leeds Arena will lead the way forward in the next generation of arena design. The atmosphere will be unrivalled, with the fan shape creating something really special.

"The venue will have a huge impact in raising the profile of Leeds and the surrounding city region both nationally and on the European stage.

"Studies show there is massive untapped demand for a facility of this kind and it will be a significant boost to the economy and physical regeneration of the Leeds and the wider city region."

The images have been released as councillors prepare to consider an outline planning application for the Arena, which will be built off Clay Pit Lane.

Councillors meeting on Monday are expected to back the plans.

The council is close to deciding on the preferred contractor to built the arena and hopes work will start by the end of the year.

Experts have estimated that the development of the arena will boost the economy by up to 25m a year and create up to 500 jobs once it opens, along with 500 more construction jobs.

The city centre arena is expected to bring in over one million visitors a year.

SMG Europe, leading operator of indoor arenas, has signed a 25-year lease on the venue.

Its managing director, John Sutherland, said: "This is a 'next generation' venue and the design will be the first of its kind in the UK.

"We expect the vast majority of shows to be live music and family entertainment events but it has in-built flexibility to allow a range of sports as well."

Leeds Council director of city development Jean Dent said: "The new arena will have a huge impact in raising the profile of Leeds and the surrounding city region both nationally and on the European stage."

The council says the arena will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the city's Northern Quarter including the reinvigoration of the Merrion Centre and the development of a four-star hotel at Portland Crescent by Oxford Hotels.

Leeds property company Town Centre Securities, which owns the Merrion Centre, is redeveloping it as part of a refurbishment programme.

Landscape architects and urban design specialists Whitelaw Turkington have been commissioned to design the new public space around the arena.

Leeds civic architect John Thorp said: "It is vital that the arena is integrated into the city centre both in terms of public space and as part of the city's leisure economy."

Last year almost 10m of funding for the arena pledged by development agency Yorkshire Forward was approved by the Government. The remainder is coming from the council.