project focus
Standing the test of time
Designed to accommodate over 13,500 spectators and with a packed schedule of music, entertainment and sports events, the arena needs to withstand high levels of foot traffic.
A variety of highly durable coatings from Johnstone’s was used throughout the venue. Johnstone’s Acrylic Eggshell, which provides a tough, washable surface resistant to condensation, and its Covaplus, which results in a durable, wipeable surface, were used on the plastered walls and stair soffits respectively. Both coverings benefit from being low VOC and low odour and are also non- yellowing. To protect the exposed internal blockwork, the team applied Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth Masonry paint, which resists dirt accumulation and has an expected life to first major maintenance of 15 years.
To ensure the safety of the venue’s staff and visitors, Johnstone’s Flortred was applied on the concrete floors, which combined with an anti-slip coating, provides a durable finish that’s resistant to water, oil and grease. Similarly, the company’s Microbarr Anti-Bacterial Acrylic Eggshell, with its silver Ion technology formulated to actively inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as MRSA and
E.Coli, was specified for the washrooms.
www.johnstonestrade.com
Show stopper
First Direct Leeds Arena, the UK’s first fan shaped arena, launched this autumn marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the city.
THE new £60m First Direct Leeds Arena officially opened in September. Commissioned and owned by Leeds City Council, the arena is operated by SMG Europe, the largest operator of sports and entertainment venues in Europe. The city centre venue was designed by
Populous and is the first purpose-built fan shaped arena in the UK. Its distinctive design means that each of the 12,250 seats has an uninterrupted view of the stage. The tight spatial configuration also allows improved control of atmosphere and acoustics. The arena is capable of hosting 13,500
people, with up to 4,000 of those being able to enjoy events standing, thanks to the flexible lower tier retractable and flat- floor seats. The 30,000sq m venue also provides 4,000sq m of public space and a 100-seat restaurant. Built by BAM Construction, the project was
delivered on time and on budget despite its unusual geometry, complex structure and
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confined city centre site conditions. The venue is a major milestone in the
council’s regeneration plans for the city. Leeds City Council took on the role of developer in 2008 after private sector proposals were found to be not good value for money. It has worked to optimise the success of the arena while maximising its benefits to the city, planning infrastructure, creating jobs and the ongoing development of what has become known as the Arena Quarter. Due to host more than 140 events each
year, the venue is expected to boost visitor numbers to Leeds by one million a year and bring an additional £25.5m into the city each year. The arena has a striking honeycombed
external façade that has been based on a mathematical diagram to create a pattern of varying cellular shapes which are further complemented by glazed panels and the use of coloured lights. Building
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