The arena row rumbles on.
Another PR media twist
Insider Media North West.
PLANS FOR NEW ARENA CALLED INTO QUESTION
Plans to build a 20,000 capacity arena outside of Manchester city centre have been called into question, with analysis from Grant Thornton suggesting that such a venue could have a "devastating impact" on local businesses.
The firm, in association with Oxford Economics, has conducted an independent study into the proposed facility, which has been outlined as part of the council's Eastlands Regeneration Framework. This focuses on development in and surrounding the Etihad Campus.
As part of its study, Grant Thornton reviewed nine large-scale arenas in the UK and found that most only had one or two other such sites within a 60-minute drive time, whereas Manchester already has three.
It also has the second lowest population per arena within a 60-minute drive time. That figure would reduce further with the introduction of another large-scale venue in close proximity.
Elsewhere, Grant Thornton also considered the wider economic impact of having an arena in the city centre and found that gross spend by visitors was estimated to be £120m in 2018.
Fred Booth, centre director at The Printworks, said: "I opened the Printworks more than 20 years ago and from our inception I have seen the huge role the arena plays in our footfall – whether it's before or after a show.
"The arena's proximity to us, alongside the transport links at Victoria, and various retail outlets, means that concert-goers make full use of Manchester's wider offering. That's really important for the city."
Looking at how spend might change if the proposed new arena at Eastlands goes ahead, a survey showed that more than half of people would be less likely to travel into the city centre if the event they attended was at an arena outside of the city centre, while 45 per cent said they would spend less in the city centre if the event they attended was at an arena outside of the city centre.
Rob Turner, director at Grant Thornton UK, added: "The Manchester Arena currently makes a significant contribution to the city centre, providing over 2,200 jobs and helping to stimulate the local economy.
"Our analysis shows that a new out-of-town arena would put this at risk and have a knock-on effect to the success of the city centre as visitors are pulled away and spending levels decrease."
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/northwest/plans-for-new-arena-called-into-question