photo_cameraphoto by Live Nation
Venues
Live Nation Announces New 5,000-Capacity Venue in Melbourne
The new Australian venue will form part of a $7 billion development in North Melbourne and is expected to host more than 100 events annually.
Live Nation has announced plans to develop and operate a new 5,000-capacity live music venue at Arden Central in North Melbourne, Australia, adding another mid-sized venue to the city`s concert infrastructure.
The purpose-built venue will form part of the first stage of Arden Central, a $7 billion mixed-use development being delivered by property developer Hamton and investment fund Hostplus.
Located approximately 1.5 kilometres from Melbourne`s central business district and two minutes from Arden Station, the venue is expected to host more than 100 events annually, accommodating both international touring acts and Australian artists.
Designed for International Touring
The venue is being designed by Live Nation`s in-house development division, Blueprint Studio, in collaboration with international architecture firm Populous.
Plans include premium audience facilities, dedicated artist amenities and production infrastructure designed to accommodate touring productions.
Alex Klos, President of Australia & New Zealand at Live Nation, said the investment would strengthen Melbourne`s position in the international touring market.
"We’re proud to partner with Hamton and Hostplus on this exciting new venue. Melbourne is one of the world’s great live music cities, and continued investment in venues is essential to attracting international artists and keeping Melbourne relevant in an increasingly competitive global environment."
Guy Ngata, Senior Vice President of Venue Development at Live Nation, said the venue would be designed to combine audience intimacy with the technical requirements of major touring acts.
"A range of premium experiences, outstanding artist amenities and efficient production access have been embedded into the venue`s design."
Part of a $7 Billion Development
Arden Central is planned as a new residential, cultural and entertainment district in North Melbourne.
Once completed, the wider development is expected to include more than 5,400 homes accommodating over 10,000 residents, alongside retail, hospitality, community facilities and 5.5 hectares of public open space.
Live Nation joins Melbourne Victory Football Club and the University of Melbourne as precinct partners, alongside North Melbourne Football Club.
Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman Paul Hameister said the development aims to combine entertainment, sport, culture and residential facilities within a single precinct.
Supporting Local Artists
As part of the project, Live Nation will establish a Community Events Fund intended to support local artists and provide opportunities for community use of the venue.
The proposed 5,000-capacity space will also offer an additional touring option between Melbourne`s smaller concert venues and its larger arenas.
Mark Wilson of Australian rock band Jet welcomed the proposed capacity.
"Bands need rooms they can grow into, and 5,000 capacity is a great size. It feels like a big occasion, but from the stage you can still connect with the people in the room."
Live Nation has not yet announced an opening date, construction timetable or initial programme for the venue.