AO Arena
Manchester, UK
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Strengthening a cultural landmark for audiences and the city of Manchester
To enhance the event experience, we led the detailed design and delivery of new mezzanine-level VIP suites at the AO Arena, as part of the Phase 1B redevelopment.
The new suites bring a more relaxed and welcoming hospitality offer, with a luxury bar and restaurant designed to complement the excitement of live events. These spaces are supported by a new concourse at event floor level, providing additional food and drink options and new public toilet facilities. The improvements are shaped around comfort, style and ease of movement, making it simpler and more enjoyable for visitors to arrive and move through the arena.
A key part of the redevelopment was to work carefully with what was already there. By making thoughtful use of the space beneath the existing seating bowl, we were able to introduce new facilities while respecting the arena’s established form and its place within the city.
This approach helped reduce waste, avoided unnecessary demolition and enabled the arena to continue hosting major events throughout the works.
New circulation routes, including a carefully integrated vomitory and VIP seating area, were designed to feel intuitive and easy to navigate, even within a highly constrained setting. This ensures the new spaces sit comfortably within the wider arena experience, rather than feeling like an add-on.
By focusing on adaptability, collaboration and long-term value, the redevelopment improves the day-to-day experience for visitors, supported our client’s operational and commercial ambitions and shows how well-loved venues can be thoughtfully refreshed to meet modern expectations, while remaining open, active and at the heart of the community.
Delivering major improvements within a live arena brought significant challenges, all of which demanded a high level of technical skill and collaboration. Seeing those challenges overcome and the quality of the finished spaces is a real credit to everyone involved.”
Dominic Manfredi
Project DirectorTeam
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