Bristol City Council has opened the bidding process to operate the city’s long-awaited arena – and according to Mayor George Ferguson there is no shortage of potential operators for the 12,000-capacity venue.
The council staged a bidders’ day yesterday for would-be partners when they were given full details of the entertainment venue, due to open in the summer of 2017, and how it will be a key part of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. 
The council said the successful operator will be expected to:
- Input into the design of the arena
- Operate and programme the arena
- Maintain and manage the facility for the duration of the lease
- Work in partnership with the council, community and stakeholders
Mayor Ferguson said: “We have had tremendous interest in the Bristol Arena project from potential operators.
“Bristol is the 7th largest city in England and it is considered as having the largest untapped market for an arena in the UK. Operators were interested to hear about the council’s vision for Arena Island and its place in the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. This is a vital project for Bristol’s cultural offer and regional economy.”
The £91m arena is set to be built on the former diesel depot site next to Temple Meads railway station. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), is already investing £11m to regenerate and improve access to the site.
A study for the council into the economic benefits that an arena might bring to Bristol estimated it could create more than 900 direct and jobs and nearly 400 additional jobs across the West of England.
Interested bidders have until June 6 to submit a first-stage pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). Those that meet the initial requirements will then be invited to submit a tender. It is expected that the successful operator will be selected in the autumn.
A design team will then be appointed with the operator developing the design with the council.
