NIA plans

The National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Birmingham’s city centre has unveiled the next generation of arena, as it gets set to undergo a £20.6 million transformation.

The modernisation of the NIA aims to take advantage of its unique location on the city’s canal side and will feature a new showcase entrance straight from Brindleyplace into the arena, with large glazed views over the water and the city.

The work is set to get underway in late 2012 and will include improved facilities and a much greater emphasis on both the pre and post show experience. The flow within the venue will be made much easier, increasing the ease of access and comfort for promoters, artists and visitors to the building. Coupled with this is the new entrance, which will secure the venue as a focal point for the city.

The NIA was officially opened in 1991 by Olympic athlete Linford Christie; the arena has since held sports, headline comedy, music and a diverse range of live entertainment.


Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, says:

“The NIA is already one of the central features in our world-class events and conferencing offer, as well as a vital asset for our economy generating £150million in economic benefit, and supporting around 2,500 jobs in the wider economy. Clearly, if we are to retain and grow our reputation as an events city we need to invest in the future."
 

Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, says:

“We are proud to unveil the new look for the NIA venue alongside the plans that we have to turn it into the next generation of arena, as we position the venue as a real focal point for live entertainment.


Phil Mead, MD of NEC Group Arenas, says:

“Birmingham is currently abuzz with redevelopment as part of the Big City Plan. It is a very exciting time for the city and we are delighted that today’s announcement takes our arena another step forward in its part of the transformation.