Plans to build an 8,500-capacity indoor arena on the outskirts of Edinburgh have received approval.
Entertainment giant AEG aims to commence the £80 million project at Edinburgh Park in 2025, following the city council’s approval.
The venue will be situated on a portion of a vacant site near a train station and tram stop that was previously designated for office space.
AEG, which also operates the O2 Arena in London, stated that the first performances could take place in 2027.
AEG was behind Taylor Swift’s trio of sold-out shows at Murrayfield Stadium last weekend.
Councillors endorsed the plans, which AEG claims could generate up to 700 jobs, during a meeting of the development management sub-committee on Wednesday.
The arena will span 18,500 square meters across three levels and is expected to attract approximately 700,000 visitors annually, according to AEG.
AEG Europe executive vice president Alistair Wood informed the committee that the company had considered sites in Leith and Meadowbank, as well as near the capital’s airport, before selecting the Edinburgh Park location.
He said it would fill a “massive gap in the market” for a major arena in the city.
Reacting to the decision, Council Leader Cammy Day said:
“Edinburgh already boasts a great set of venues in the shape of Murrayfield, the Usher Hall and our theatres and increasingly, the world’s biggest stars are choosing the Capital. From Beyonce and Harry Styles to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking run, not forgetting our annual world famous festivals, Edinburgh has more than proved itself as a top destination for international acts.
We’ve been concentrating on developing our cultural offering and transport links in recent years to better connect the city, and the moment is right now to build on that. We’ve been crying out for a mid-size indoor arena but we have to make sure the infrastructure is in place for that and it has to be the right site. This arena at Edinburgh Park offers the answer and the planning application received unanimous support from Councillors.
There is no doubt this site has some of the best transport links in Scotland and it easy to picture audiences travelling from home or the airport by tram, train and bus to West Edinburgh for a show. At the other end of the tram line to the North we have another great asset in the Leith Theatre and in the city centre the Ross Bandstand. Smaller music venues like these are also important to the fabric of Edinburgh’s live music offering and I remain committed to championing for their investment. They are two prime examples of projects which I believe should benefit from Edinburgh’s visitor levy when it is in place.”
