Planning application submitted for Edinburgh Park Arena

AEG Europe has submitted a planning application for its planned 8,500-capacity arena on the outskirts of Edinburgh.The proposed venue, spanning 18,500 sq m, will be situated at Edinburgh Park, supporting the regeneration of the area alongside master developers Parabola.Based on external assessment, the project is estimated to bring an estimated £520m per annum in gross value added to the local economy and it is estimated the building will employ a total of 1,350 people per annum once up and running.The investment is also expected to inject a further £83.1m per year back into the local economy through the more than 700,000 visitors the arena is expected to attract each year.Alex Hill, president and chief executive of AEG Europe, said: “The city has long been renowned as a destination for global culture and one of the world’s best for the arts and live entertainment.“We’re excited to build on this reputation and bring world-class live music and entertainment to Edinburgh, as well as investing in the wider Edinburgh Park community through the creation of more than 1,000 employment opportunities.”The application follows public consultation events which took place on 4 December and 9 January.Alistair Wood, executive vice president of property development for AEG Europe, said: “We’re delighted by the feedback and valuable insights we’ve received during the extensive consultation and public exhibition process.“It’s been fantastic to see such strong support for our plans, and therefore we are hopeful for a swift and clear decision following our planning application.”Wood added: “If we were able to secure planning permission, our focus would then immediately turn to identifying a building contractor and naming rights partner to bring this exciting project to life on site.”The company is hoping to receive planning permission by June, with a view of appointing an external contractor to commence work soon thereafter.