Construction Begins on New Cardiff Arena

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• Construction Begins on New Cardiff Arena

14 October 2025

Cardiff's skyline is set to change with the construction of a new 16,500-capacity arena, scheduled to open in 2028.

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Part of the Atlantic Wharf masterplan, Cardiff Arena will feature world-class acoustics, a compact seating bowl and a large standing area on the arena floor.

Designed by Populous and developed by Cardiff Council in partnership with Live Nation and Robertson Property, the façade of the arena will evoke Cardiff Bay’s historic role as the centre of the region’s iron trade, with patinated, corrugated panelling. Additional glazing on the east and west elevations pays tribute to the rolling valleys of South Wales. A huge LED screen welcomes the crowd alongside an architectural “swoop”

The seating bowl, whilst compact, places the audience close to the stage, with optimal sightlines for live music. Unlike traditional arenas, hospitality seating is not separated from general admission, reducing disconnect within the crowd.

The venue’s interior design will be delivered by Jump Studios and McLaren Construction has been appointed as the main contractor. The arena will sit alongside food and leisure amenities, a new cultural centre, a public square, a four-star hotel, office space, and 1,100 new homes.

Declan Sharkey, Senior Principal at Populous, said: "We are delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with Live Nation on this project to create this new, world-class arena for Cardiff. Live Nation has a truly inspiring vision for the future of the music and entertainment industry, focused on the creation of sustainable venues that are authentic to the communities they sit within, and those values are exemplified within the Cardiff Arena project. Our design will deliver an elite arena that will become the venue of choice for the South Wales region, for both spectators and performers alike. We are extremely excited to see it come to fruition and witness the transformative effect it will have on the surrounding area as part of Cardiff Council's ambitious masterplan for Atlantic Wharf.”

Picture: a CGI showing the full exterior of the new stadium. Image Credit: Populous 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 14 October 2025

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