When you think of Edinburgh’s vibrant, thriving cultural scene, gigantic stadium concerts don’t really come to mind. While you might get some massive events at the likes of Murrayfield, the Scottish capital is better known for its huge variety of different venues, from its countless quirky Fringe stages to its fabled clubs.
But now one huge development could shake-up Edinburgh’s gigging scene. Promoter and venue operator AEG has announced plans to build a vast permanent venue in the city.
The new arena would be at Edinburgh Park, a business park in the west of the city, and have capacity for 8,500 visitors. That would make it one of the city’s biggest venues.
AEG, for those not in-the-know, also owns the O2 Arena in London. The company is reportedly attracted to Edinburgh Park by its transport connections, which include several tram, bus and train stops, as well as motorway access.
So, what’re the next steps? Well, Parabola, the company that currently owns Edinburgh Park, has apparently agreed to sell the land to AEG. However, AEG still has to get planning permission for the project – if it’s approved, it could open sometime in 2027.
Time Out Edinburgh
Whether you’re in favour of a massive new arena for Auld Reekie or not, the city certainly has plenty of other charms. From its yearly marvellous Fringe to its restaurants, pubs, museums and even bookshops, the Time Out Edinburgh hub is your go-to guide for the best things to see and do in the Scottish capital.
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