Storm Eunice: O2 Arena reopens after Storm damage

The O2 Arena has reopened following damage caused during Storm Eunice.

Sections of the fabric roof of the venue, formerly known as the Millennium Dome, were shredded by the strength of the storm's winds on 18 February.

The building in Greenwich was evacuated and shut on Friday last week, but the O2 reopened at 10:00 GMT.

A number of concerts - including The Lumineers and rapper Dave - were postponed and have since been rescheduled.

UB40 will perform on Friday night.

Former UB40 member Ali Campbell said he planned to "tear the roof off" the arena again as he returns to the stage in memory of his late bandmate Astro later.

The O2 said it had carried out rigorous safety checks and deemed the venue "safe, secure and structurally sound".

The building was evacuated and has been shut for most of the week

In a statement released on Wednesday, the arena said the hole in the fabric would remain visible for some time while a permanent solution was put in place.

Damage was isolated to an area within the O2's premium outlet shopping experience Icon Outlet, which would remain closed, the O2 said.

Steve Sayer, vice president and general manager of the O2, said: "Confirming our reopening after such a short closure is a huge testament to everyone who is working so hard to get us open again.

"Safety will always be our number one priority and as a venue, we have always been proud of the standards we hold and delivering a best in class fan and artist experience."

The Entertainment District, which houses London's largest cinema and more than 30 bars and restaurants, will reopen on the same day as well as Up at the O2.

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