Manchester City Council has paved the way for the 23,500-seat Eastlands Arena to be built, despite controversy surrounding the plans.
Developer Oak View Group was given the nod by the council’s planning committee today for the £350m scheme. But ASM Global said in a statement reacting to the decision that it could have a “significantly adverse impact” for Manchester Arena, which it operates, and “the wider city centre businesses and attractions it supports”.
ASM Global said that the decision undermines two reports submitted to the council earlier this year on the proposed development, both of which said there is no market need for the venue and that building the Eastlands Arena would negatively impact the city centre economy.
“Clear evidence has been presented on multiple occasions that demonstrates the application for an Eastlands Arena relies on flawed research and impossible market projections, is in defiance of national and local policy, and does not align with the adopted Core Strategy to support sustainable growth in the city,” ASM Global’s statement continued. “Why then has it been so readily approved?”
ASM Global is one of many property companies that have spoken out about the Eastlands Arena plans.
In June, Aviva Investors, DTZ Investors, Prestbury Investments, Manchester Arndale and Living Ventures were among the companies objecting to the scheme, stating that the latest plans outlined development of more than 181,000 sq ft of food, beverage and retail space that was not included in the original plans.
Initial plans for the arena emphasised that the venue would benefit from leisure offerings within the city centre.
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