Leeds
Leeds Arena
Sweco was appointed to design a new public space for the landmark Leeds Arena building. Sweco worked closely with Populous, specialist arena architects and Leeds City Council design champion, John Thorpe to produce proposals for an innovative and design-led performance venue and new public space in the heart of the city centre.
Summary
- Client
- SMG
- Dates
- 2010 – 2014
- Value
- £80,000,000
Project story
A shared design philosophy between Sweco and Populous resulted in a bold design for the main piazza responding to the architectural treatment of the arena façade. The installation of landscape features promoted the fluidity of movement throughout the space.
These key features included tall lighting masts which provided clear and distinct focal points for people to gather around and orientate themselves within the space. New tree planting provided green gateways to improve pedestrian flow. The piazza promotes numerous activities and is used at all times due to the inclusion of bespoke designed benches and integrated seating steps.
The piazza promotes numerous activities and is used at all times due to the inclusion of bespoke designed benches and integrated seating steps.
Key Services
- Visualisations
- Outline design
- Detailed design
- Stakeholder engagement
- Roof gardens & podiums
- Ecology & habitat creation