New Cardiff Bay arena gets final go ahead

A grand opening for the arena is scheduled for 2028

A 16,500-capacity arena planned for Cardiff Bay is on track to open in 2028 after the end of the financial process which allows construction work to begin.

The indoor arena is the first phase in a major redevelopment project for the area which will also see new homes built as well as office spaces, leisure facilities and a hotel complex.

A consortium, comprised of Live Nation and Robertson Property, appointed to carry out the project announced "financial close" on Thursday.

It said the arena would create 1,000 jobs and attract more than one million visitors annually, adding it had appointed McLaren Construction as contractor.

The venue will be built at Atlantic Wharf on the site of Cardiff Council's County Hall car park.

The overall redevelopment will encompass the area from the Millennium Centre, down Lloyd George Avenue in Butetown, and across to Cardiff's current County Hall.

It is hoped the new arena will attract "world-class" artists to Wales, in turn boosting the local economy, Cardiff Council said.

Jonathan Reynolds, UK government business and trade secretary, said the announcement was "another clear vote of confidence in our economy and the UK's position as a global creative superpower".

"I'm delighted this new arena will create over 1000 new jobs, boosting the Welsh economy, local community and backing our Plan for Change," he said.

Huw Thomas, Cardiff Council leader, added the arena would "transform Cardiff's visitor economy in a way nothing has since the [Principality] stadium opened in 1999".

"It's not just about the bricks and mortar, it's about underpinning and enhancing Cardiff's status as a vibrant, dynamic destination for music and culture," he said.

Graham Walters of Live Nation said the arena was "a landmark project" which would address "clear consumer demand for more live entertainment".

"Today's announcement brings us one step closer to opening the doors to fans on the first night," he said.

Elliot Robertson, chief executive at Robertson Group, described the news as a "transformative moment for the city", adding: "This project is more than just a venue; it's a catalyst for growth... solidifying Cardiff's position as a cultural and creative hub on the global stage."