Features
NIA Breaks Ground
Work on the £26 million redevelopment of Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena is to start by the end of the month, following the appointment of contractor BAM Construction Ltd.
The plan is to transform the NIA into what’s being called “the next generation of arena,” which will offer more benefits to promoters, artists, visitors and the city of Birmingham.
“The NIA has a rich 21-year history in Birmingham, welcoming world-renowned singers, athletes, comedians and performers who all help to shine a light on what our city has to offer,” said NEC Group arena chief Phil Mead. “This redevelopment is vital in ensuring we continue to attract world-class artists to Birmingham in a competitive global marketplace, giving promoters, visiting artists and our audience the best possible experience.”
With full backing of Birmingham City Council as part of their Big City Plan, the modernisation of the NIA will take advantage of its unique location on the city’s canal side.
A focal point of the redevelopment will be a new glass-fronted façade and Front of House Showcase straight from Brindleyplace into the arena, adding 5,926 square metres of pre- and post-show space into the 13,437 square metres of redevelopment.
“Sky Needles” on top of the NIA will add to the skyline of Birmingham and light up at night.
Standing capacity for the NIA will increase to 15,000 and seating capacity to 12,500.