Plans submitted for the UK's largest concert arena
The MSG Sphere would hold 21,500 people...
Plans have been submitted for the UK's largest concert arena, MSG Sphere.
If built, the structure would stand 90-metres high and occupy land in Stratford, next to the Olympic Park. US-based Madison Square Garden Company (MSG), owner of the world-famous New York venue, is behind the proposal, and has purchased 1.9-hectares at the site.
The development is subject to planning permission, but former-Culture Secretary Matt Hancock and London Mayor Sadiq Khan are in support. The arena would seat 17,566 people, or hold 21,500 with standing, beating both the O2 Arena (20,000) and Manchester Arena (21,000).
One of the most striking aspects of the design are the external LED-panels, enabling event footage or advertising to be shown on the fabric of the building. There is also room for a 1,500-capacity space, potentially offering a platform for grassroots and rising stars.
The plans are not without critics. MSG's executive chair James Dolan donated to Donald Trump's presidential campaign and previously sat on the board of the Weinstein Company. The site could also be used for around 1,400 homes, helping ease the area's affordable housing crisis. Nevertheless, it's claimed construction would create more than 4,000 jobs over three years, and 3,200 annually after opening.
London has already seen two major new venues announced this year, Dock X at Surrey Quays and Exhibition in Shepherd's Bush. The Printworks team will be behind both, the UK's highest ranking club as per the results of DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs Poll 2019.
