Laing OôRourke and Sir Robert McAlpine, the two builders of the Millennium Dome, are competing for the contract to transform the failed attraction into a ã100m sports and entertainment arena. Multiplex, the Australian company building the new Wembley Stadium, is also in the running for the lucrative contract, which is set to be awarded by the end of the year. However, nothing will be decided until Greenwich Borough Council has approved the proposals.
The arena, which will seat between 22,000 and 26,000 people, is considered crucial to the ã4bn regeneration of the Greenwich peninsula. The plan for the area surrounding the Dome envisages an extra 62,000 sq m of leisure space, including bars and restaurants, and around 33,000 sq m of retail. Around 10,000 new homes will be constructed on the 190-acre site surrounding the Dome.
Meridian Delta, the joint venture between Quintain Estates and Lend Lease, is in talks with Greenwich over what infrastructure and additional facilities should be provided - known as the Section 106 agreement.
A spokesperson for Meridian Delta confirmed: 'We are now in detailed discussion over the Section 106 issues, which we expect to complete towards the end of this year. The project is making excellent progress with development starting next year.'
Earlier this week, London & Regional secured a nearby 12-acre site on which it intends to develop a ã400m, 1.5m sq ft mixed-use scheme. It is hoped that the development will complement Meridian Deltaôs proposals.
