Rights Managed > Historic England > Sports > Sports venues
Nearing completion JLP01_10_50148
Filename: jlp01_10_50148.jpg
Size: 5134 x 5084 (6.6MB)
Date: 8th March 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Nearing completion JLP01_10_50148
NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA, KING EDWARDS ROAD, BIRMINGHAM. An interior view of the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham close to its completion, with the track down in the event space.
The negative register states that this image was supplied by Laings Midland Region. I/N is also recorded next to the image, signifying that it is an internegative. It appears to have been copied from the original in July 1990, and was probably taken not long before this date.
The £ 50m Design and Construct contract for the National Indoor Arena (NIA) was awarded to the Laing Midlands Division by Birmingham City Council in January 1989. It was officially opened on 4th October 1991 by athlete Linford Christie. At the time of opening, it was the largest indoor arena in the UK and had capacity for approximately 12, 000 spectators. The arena has been renamed multiple times throughout its history. Originally the National Indoor Arena (October 1991 to December 2014), it later became known as The Barclaycard Arena (December 2014 to August 2017), Arena Birmingham (September 2017 to April 2020), and Utilita Arena Birmingham (April 2020 to present)
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24492229
© Historic England Archive
1990s Athletics Construction Interior Sport Sports Centre
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham nearing completion. The image provides an interior view of the arena, showcasing the event space with the track already laid down. Supplied by Laings Midland Region and recorded as an internegative, this photograph was likely taken shortly before July 1990. The National Indoor Arena, also known as NIA, was awarded a £50 million Design and Construct contract by Birmingham City Council in January 1989. It officially opened on October 4th, 1991, with renowned athlete Linford Christie doing the honors. At that time, it held the distinction of being the largest indoor arena in the UK and had a capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators. Throughout its history, this iconic venue has undergone several name changes. Originally known as the National Indoor Arena from October 1991 to December 2014, it later became The Barclaycard Arena from December 2014 to August 2017. Subsequently renamed Arena Birmingham from September 2017 to April 2020 and Utilita Arena Birmingham since April 2020 (excluding commercial use), this versatile space continues to host various events for entertainment enthusiasts. Preserved within A© Historic England Archive's collection is this remarkable snapshot of progress at one of Britain's most significant indoor arenas – a testament to architectural achievement and cultural significance alike.
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