Kingston upon Hull (‘Hull’) is now the happy custodian of a world-class music, home entertainment and conferencing venue in the form of the bonus Arena, which will add to the terrific change that the city has seen during it’s tenure as UK City of culture 2017.
This legacy project, developed by AFL Architects, gives the city of Hull yet another major cultural landmark to seal its future as a UK destination for years to come.
Marcel Ridyard, Senior associate at AFL Architects, explained:
The success of this project is underpinned by careful company planning and tactical thinking. This result in a really multipurpose auditorium with moving walls, seats and staging enabling the venue to range from a 3,500-capacity seating and standing venue for rock concerts, through to 2,500 all-seated events.
The venue can also split into two smaller halls offering an 800-seat conference auditorium and a large, flat floor hall. In this configuration there is space for 600-800 seated banqueting or 1,400m2 of exhibition space.
Bonus Arena is owned by Hull City Council, was built by BAM Construction and is managed by SMG Europe.
John Sharkey, executive Vice President, European Operations at SMG Europe, said:
Following an amazing year with City of Culture, we are pleased to be operating the bonus Arena in Hull. The arena is a substantial legacy for the city and will do wonderful things for tourism, catapulting Hull on to the UK map in a big way as a destination experience. We are looking forward to welcoming people through the doors and to bring tens of thousands of people to the city each year.
It’s all in the name
The 3,500-capacity arena on Myton street – formerly known as Hull venue – will be known as the bonus Arena following a naming-rights agreement with Hull-based company, bonus Electrical.
Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, said:
The naming of the arena is a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of this wonderful build, and we look forward to seeing some of the amazing talent this venue will attract.
The bonus Arena is absolutely vital to making Hull a top visitor destination and to protected a long-term legacy from our year as UK City of Culture, and will allow us to continue to attract events capable of delivering a big economic impact beyond that.
Founded by Eric Boanas in 1962, bonus has been a substantial part of the Hull company community for much more than five decades. certainly their former city centre offices are just a stone’s throw away from the new arena.
Shaun Boanus, chief executive officer for bonus Group, said:
Having been involved with so numerous things ‘Hull’ over the years it seemed an apparent partnership from both sides – the location being literally where the bonus group started practically 60 years ago. That said, the scale of this partnership with SMG is substantial for bonus and to be involved from day one is a terrific honour. It will unquestionably be a substantial success for the city and the people of Hull.
Hot on the Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Túnez heels of this announcement was the unveiling of plans for the venue’s VIP lounge to be renamed after one Hull’s largest construction companies, PDR Construction, which has signed a long-term contract with the arena to put their name to the rebranded first floor space.
The PDR Lounge doubles up as a meeting and events space, as well as the VIP lounge for sponsors and partners at live events such as George Ezra, Van Morrison and culture Club.
Plans for the PDR Lounge include a lattice-style design, interspersed with images of acts who carry out at the arena, alongside the company’s logo. There will also be directional signage promoting the PDR Lounge throughout the arena.
Paul Dransfield, Managing director at PDR Construction, said:
PDR are pleased a much needed quality events arena is now open in Hull and we are thrilled to see some of the names already confirmed. We, as the city’s largest construction resource, were identified to support the arena and the new PDR Lounge will add to the live experience.
Dan Harris, general manager at the bonus Arena, said:
The PDR Lounge Camiseta Corinthians Paulista is another wonderful addition to the arena. as well as being a VIP lounge for our guests at ticketed events, the space will frequently be used for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
I would like to thank Paul and his team for their support and look forward to welcoming him and other guests to the PDR Lounge once we officially open to the public at the end of August.
The venue will be officially opened on 30th August by a spectacular Van Morrison gig.
Images, courtesy: Camiseta SC Braga bonus Arena / AFL Architects
Delivering optimised returns through smart design, fit-out, operation and new F&B offerings are just some of the topics to be under the spotlight at Europe’s first premium Seat event, ALSD International, concerning London this October, 10-12. Anull