Facelift planned for NIA
Global architect firm Broadway Malyan has been appointed to revamp The NIA in Birmingham. The firm, which has an office in the city, will lead a team of professionals to create a feasibility study for the site.
The study study will run for eight weeks to create “a new look and feel” to the popular city centre venue, said the architect. The venture follows the £29m refurbishment of its sister venue - the LG Arena – which celebrated its first birthday in October.
A budget for the revamp of The NIA will be formed at the end of the feasibility study. With the proposed title rights and other sponsorship opportunities, work could potentially start in summer 2011.
Broadway Malyan will be joined by quantity surveyor Turner and Townsend, structural engineer Rodgers Leask, mechanical and electrical engineer Capita and catering company InoxEquip on the study.
The architect said the aim of the study was to make The NIA “more accessible, both visually and physically, taking advantage of its key canal-side location”.
The firm added there was the possibility of a brand new entrance overlooking the canal at Brindleyplace.
Phil Mead, managing director of arenas - part of The NEC Group, said: “We are on the starting blocks to transform The NIA from the well–used building it is now to becoming an exciting and contemporary venue. We want our visitors not just to experience world class events, but to enjoy the experience from the moment they arrive.
“By appointing Broadway Malyan as the architects leading on this project, we have found an innovative practice that can turn our vision into a reality and make The NIA into a destination in its own right.”
