Birmingham based consulting engineer, Hulley & Kirkwood have unveiled the first visuals of the dazzling and pioneering lighting scheme which will put The NEC Arena on the international venue circuit.
Hulleys have secured the mechanical and electrical services design commission for the Arena’s £28million overhaul and will deliver innovative lighting solutions designed to create atmosphere and ambience, build anticipation and provide an inspirational visitor experience from the moment of arrival.
Work is set to commence in September and includes a landmark tower, new entrance, cafes, bars, restaurants, a dedicated VIP entrance and a new interior and exterior sound and lighting scheme.
Stephen Harris, Regional Director at Hulleys’ Birmingham office, says: “The redevelopment of the NEC Arena is not only the largest engineering project underway in the Midlands, but also the most exciting.
“The scheme is designed to capture the imagination before the visitor even walks through the door. We are using the latest technology and a flexible lighting system in order that colours and themes can change to reflect the nature of each event that the Arena is hosting.”
The flagship lighting scheme focuses on three key design elements, each contributing to the visitor experience. These include:
Anticipation. In order to create excitement from the moment a visitor sees the arena, Hulleys have designed a lighting system which will accentuate the landscape design. Throughout the external approach to the Arena feature lighting of trees, using a wide spectrum of colours, will generate a sense of excitement and anticipation, culminating in a colour change glass wall at the entrance. The lighting will be designed to reflect the nature of the event, from classical international concerts to major UK rock bands.
Arrival. Hulleys are working with theatre-style lighting, as well as using LED lights in order to create a dramatic atmosphere and a sense of theatre from the moment a visitor steps through the door.
Identity. Global electronics giant, LG, is the new sponsor of The NEC Arena and its ‘Life’s Good’ motto will be forefront of the visitor’s mind. With dramatic pink themed visuals and lighting, customers will be enticed to enjoy the show from arrival to departure.
The concert and event venue, which welcomes one million visitors every year
In addition to the LG’s sponsorship deal, Birmingham City Council is providing funding through a £25million loan with the potential for further funding from Advantage West Midlands.
Andy Bradley, Director at Hulleys says: “The venue has already earned a world wide reputation, boosting the region’s image and prosperity since it opened 28 years ago. This investment will ensure that the new LG Arena remains a must visit destination for all UK and international tours, not only providing a fitting futuristic total entertainment experience but is also set to drive additional business and tourist investment back into the local economy.”
Hulleys secured the commission due to its M&E design expertise on a number of high profile leisure and arena projects around the country, including the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, C-Bay Recording and Rehearsal Hall at CardiffBay, Harrogate International Centre and the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre in Glasgow.
Andy concludes: “Our eco team is also involved in the scheme as we are developing energy efficient solutions as part of the high-tech lighting package.
“As the original M&E design team for the redevelopment of halls 9-12 and 17-20 at The NEC, Hulleys will bring their international leisure and lighting engineering experience to this development to ensure that the venue continues to rival its European counterparts and attract audiences and performers from around the globe. We are confident we will put the LG Arena’s name in lights.”
The new LG Arena is set to open in autumn 2009. In order to minimise disruption to the Arena’s one million visitors a year, the first phase will run from September this year until April 2009 and the second phase will start in May 2009 and complete before the planned October 2009 launch.
Hulleys’ M&E package will include lighting, heating, ventilation, lifts, acoustics, security and safety systems, in addition to the delivery of sustainable management systems.
