City Council Approves Munich Arena Plans, Passes Approval Resolution

Munich City Council (“Planungs- und Bauausschus”) has taken the next step in the zoning plan process for Munich Arena.

See: Munich Arena & Live Nation Enter Into Strategic Partnership

“Following the assessment of submissions from the first public display (public authorities and agencies), the committee approved the updated planning documents and initiated the next phase of the process: a second public display alongside renewed consultation with statutory consultees. This enables members of the public and relevant authorities to review the updated documents again in a transparent, formal process and submit comments,” a press release summing up the most recent development states.

It goes on, “Submissions received during the first consultation phase were reviewed by the City. Where appropriate and required, the feedback has been incorporated into the updated plans. From the project’s perspective, constructive participation by residents and institutions – bringing local insight, perspectives and suggestions – helps further refine the plans and ensure the project is aligned with its context.”

At the meeting, the project team presented the updated documents: HENN Architects (Munich) and Populous (London) outlined the continued development of the overall design, while Latz+Partner Landscape Architects (Munich) presented the further development of the public realm and landscape concept. Specialist consultants were available to answer questions, including Obermeyer (Munich), who explained the comprehensive transport assessment. Legal aspects of the urban development agreement were outlined by the City’s legal advisers Döring + Spieß (Munich). Questions from committee members were answered in detail; the quality of the planning and the thorough preparation were explicitly acknowledged.

A key element of the plan’s continued development has been the ongoing involvement of City’s Design Advisory Board (“Gestaltungsbeirat”), chaired by Prof. Dr Hierl, together with Prof. Loidl-Reich and Moritz Auer. The independent expert panel advises the City of Freising on urban design and architectural matters; City Council members also participated as political representatives.

“The collaborative process generated valuable input that has been incorporated into the plans – particularly in the arena’s forecourt and surrounding landscape. In addition, with live events in mind, core interior priorities such as sightlines and acoustic design have been further refined,” the press release continues.

A summary of the planning updates below:

• the arrival court (Arena Plaza) is being enhanced with seating steps and clearly defined areas to meet and linger before and after shows
• the arena footprint has been reduced by around 20% while maintaining a capacity of ca. 20,000 fans
• optimized sightlines and acoustic
• green areas, seating and routes have been developed in greater detail to create an inviting and usable outdoor environment around the venue
• the building massing and placement have been further refined to support integration into the surrounding area

See: First Look At Munich’s New Climate-Neutral 20,000-Cap Arena

Comments:

Lorenz Schmid, Managing Partner, Munich Arena, “This resolution marks another important milestone for the Munich Arena. The close collaboration with the City, its administration and the City Council is a real added value – it helps drive the plans forward with precision and a consistently high standard. Our goal is a first-class concert arena for Munich and Bavaria, with clear priority on sightlines, acoustics and fan experience. At the same time, we see the venue as part of its wider setting, with a plaza and surrounding public realm designed to create genuine quality of place.”

Tobias Eschenbacher, Lord Mayor of the City of Freising, “With today’s decision, we are consistently advancing the statutory planning process. Feedback from the first consultation has been assessed and incorporated into the updated documents. The next public display and consultation phase again enables participation. At the same time, the project highlights the potential within our city – as a place for major concerts and culture, and as a positive impetus for the region, especially in economically challenging times.”

Tom Lynch, Live Nation, President, Venues EMEA, “The Munich Arena is a project with international ambition – purpose-built for live entertainment. Reaching this milestone demonstrates the care and close collaboration driving the planning forward. We’re creating an arena that offers first-class experiences for artists and fans – to further strengthen Munich and Bavaria as a leading concert destination.”

Barbara Schelle, City Building Director (Stadtbaumeisterin), City of Freising, “Project quality is also shaped by the process. That is why we carefully reviewed and weighed the submissions from the first consultation. The statutory planning process is clearly regulated and ensures a transparent and fair approach for all parties. On this basis, the documents have been further refined. Our aim is high urban design and architectural quality – both in how the arena is integrated and in the design of the surrounding public realm.”

Subscribe to Pollstar HERE