Client: NEC Group
Location: Birmingham
Construction Value: £28 million

The NEC Arena was over twenty years old, in 2007 DLA Design Group were appointed to enhance the customer experience through the provision of well designed facilities. The brief called for a new focal point for the entrance and the integration of an adjoining storage shed to provide pre concert facilities, including bars, restaurants and food concessions. To complete the scheme the overall external landscaping has been rationalized providing improved pedestrian access routes, to create a real sense of arrival and anticipation for visitors and includes a green wall feature and a glass wall to the external terrace.

Work began on site in September 2008 to transform this iconic venue, to create a new modern arena, with a feature tower at the entrance, a new glazed facade, new feature lighting throughout and a new arena bowl incorporating 2000 extra and larger seats with arms, new wider concourses to provide improved hospitality areas comprising food and beverage concessions, bars, restaurants and a new VIP deck. New spectator toilets have been provided together with improved backstage facilities.

Shortlisted Stadium Business Awards - Venue of the year 2011

 

Shortlisted Stadium Business Awards - Customer Experience 2011

 

Shortlisted Stadium Business Awards - Sustainability Award 2011