Cardiff 15000 arena

Interesting incorrect comparison with Cardiff, as the new arena in the bay will open first.

'The Bristol arena will be significantly bigger than its closest indoor arena, Utilita Arena Cardiff, which has a capacity of about 7,500 (standing and seated)".

That is playing with the truth....

In fact Bristol's arena only has consent for a capacity of 17,000 (compared to Cardiff's 16,500)..

The stated capacity of 20,000 for Bristol is the developers aspiration and will need to be subject to a revised planning application - which might not be granted....or granted with limitations on say transportation.

My office over looks the Bristol brabazon arena. It still looks a very long way off. One of the old 3 hangers has been knocked down and that’s about it. It has the feeling of something that will be delay after delay.

I agree- Bristol Arena have been putting out lots of press releases about construction starting, but in reality they have only been doing demolition. I would not be surprised to see some large delays creeping in as developers seek more funding...

I think the problem Bristol Arena will have is that it's planned to run as an independent venue rather than be operated by an arena management company. Much as I hate Live Nation's dominance of the Welsh music scene, they're likely to book tours into their own venue in Cardiff rather than its Bristol rival.

An amended phasing plan has been submitted for the whole development around the arena. The majority of the development is planned to begin from 2030, including the demolition of the Red Dragon Centre.

https://www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=TBACWNECK5800

So, 4 years or so of the arena running with nothing in the vicinity except the new Travelodge and the RDC/construction sites right in the way. Seems a bit unambitious to phase it over such a long period of time, I'm sure that a 2028 start would be doable, why so slow?

Am I reading this right .... the comercial building/Cardif Council office to east of arena is now 15 stories??

Am I reading this right .... the comercial building/Cardif Council office to east of arena is now 15 stories??

I hadn't looked at that document, looks like it. The original CGI looked more like 4-5 stories.

The whole development to the east of the arena is being brought forward due to commercial interest, this includes a large hotel as well at the new council offices, WMC space, housing, retail and leisure.

There are also 9 'Quarters' within the development. The 'Car Parking Quarter' sounds fascinating.