Anschutz unveils plans for a 23,000 capacity indoor arena and entertainment complex at the Dome, which will be remaned O2.
The Millennium Dome redevelopment will be renamed the O2 under a partnership deal between the mobile phone operator and the scheme’s developer, it was revealed today.
Developer Anschutz Entertainment Group announced the name change as it unveiled outline plans for the project. The Dome will be used as a central entertainment arena, forming the focal point of a development that will include an outdoor stage, cinema complex and exhibition space.
Construction work on the project is being carried out by Robert McAlpine, and is scheduled for completion in April 2007. The dome itself will take up 40% of the development, providing a 23,000 capacity indoor arena that will host up to 150 music, entertainment and sporting events in its opening year. The arena will host basketball and gymnastic events should London win the 2012 Olympics.
The area between the dome and North Greenwich tube station will be covered by a large roof. It will house additional facilities including an outdoor stage, bar, restaurants, retail and leisure facilities and a jazz and blues street, to be modelled on New Orleans. The development will also include an ice rink and a cinema complex, which AEG hopes will host movie premieres.
