Project Overview
In January 2022, we were appointed by Legends Global to support the redevelopment of Manchester’s iconic AO Arena. As the second-largest indoor arena in the UK (23,000 capacity), the venue was embarking on a major £60m multi-phase transformation programme spanning both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
Acting as cost consultants, our initial appointment focused on The Beautiful North – the arena’s exclusive super-suite experience. The project transformed three existing executive boxes into a new high-end members’ environment, establishing a new benchmark for premium hospitality within the venue.
Following its successful completion, we were retained to support the review, development and delivery of a range of further projects across the arena. Working within a live environment with a full events calendar, careful planning and phased delivery were key to ensuring minimal disruption to the venue’s ongoing operations and events.
Shaping the Redevelopment Programme
Our role initially focused on carrying out detailed cost studies across a range of existing and underutilised spaces within the arena, supporting Legends Global in developing robust business cases for future investment.
Working collaboratively with the client team, we helped evaluate opportunities across both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) areas – assessing the costs for the introduction of dedicated premium customer entrances, through to the enhancement of key artist facilities.
Once individual business cases had been established, each phase of the redevelopment programme was carefully procured and planned around operational requirements and programme windows, ensuring works could be delivered efficiently within a live entertainment environment.
The wider programme of works included:
- Delivery of The Beautiful North suite – a 1,000 sq. ft. premium hospitality space with dedicated bar facilities
- Upgrading the exclusive Suite 5 executive box
- Delivering a brand new 3,000 sq. ft. VIP Entrance and premium customer arrival space
- Refurbishing the Sierra Control room
- The refurbishment and enhancement of three backstage Artist Dressing Rooms
- Installing an additional 220 premium seats in the arena as part of The Terrace project
Procurement and Phased Delivery
Each stage of the redevelopment programme required a tailored procurement strategy which aligned with programme restraints, operational requirements and the live nature of the venue.
For both The Beautiful North and Suite 5, Legends Global identified an accelerated delivery programme, with both spaces required to be operational by May 2022. To meet this deadline, works were procured through a single-stage competitive tender using a supply chain experienced in live arena environments and fast-paced refurbishment projects.
Following the successful delivery of these initial phases, the procurement strategy evolved to reflect the operational requirements of each subsequent project. The VIP Entrance was delivered via a negotiated tender with the incumbent contractor, using previously established contract rates where possible to help procure the project within the client’s budget.
Works then focused on improving key BOH areas, including the Sierra Control room and Artist Dressing Rooms. One of the more unique spaces within the venue, the dedicated Sierra Control room required mainly MEP upgrades, alongside a few minor cosmetic improvements. Given the BOH nature of both projects, we proposed combining the works into a single-stage competitive tender to support efficient delivery and programme alignment.
Finally, with the BOH works procured and on site, attention turned to the last phase of the programme – the installation of additional seating in The Terrace. To minimise disruption in the arena and support continuity on site, we procured these works via a negotiated tender with the incumbent contractor.
Project Delivery and Key Successes
A key factor in the success of the programme was the close collaboration between the client team, design team, and contractor throughout delivery. With works taking place within a live arena environment – alongside a full and uninterrupted events schedule – flexibility, coordination, and careful planning were essential to maintaining operations while delivering each phase successfully.
Key successes across the programme included:
- Successful delivery of multiple project phases within a live operational arena, with no disruption to shows or events
- A flexible procurement strategy combining both competitive and negotiated tender approaches to suit the requirements of each phase
- In-house MEP cost consultancy support, helping manage key interfaces between existing arena systems and wider redevelopment works
- Delivery of projects in line with Legends Global’s programme and operational deadlines
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