Feature

Bristol Arena development to go ahead as planned, says Mayor

The construction of a new arena in Bristol is unlikely to be affected by council cuts, the English city’s Mayor has insisted.

Planning permission for the 12,000-capacity music arena was granted in April, with a construction budget of £92.5m (€108.1m/$122.1m) having been set for the development.

The Bristol Post newspaper reported yesterday (Wednesday) that Bristol City Council has been forced to make savings of £60m due to cuts to its central government grant. However, the cuts should not impact on the development of the arena.

“The arena is a major city priority that we are committed to delivering, that will be a catalyst for the development of the Temple Meads area, growing our economy and bringing jobs and homes for local people,” Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said, according to the Post.

“The project is funded through long-term council borrowing, with around £53m funded through the City Deal Economic Development Fund, managed by the West of England Local Enterprise (LEP), and £38m coming back to the council from operator rental and other related income once the arena is built.”

The arena is scheduled to open in 2018.

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