Search icon

Lifestyle

27th Mar 2019

Plans are in place to build London’s own Madison Square Garden style arena

The company that built the iconic Madison Square Garden arena in New York City have laid out plans to build a new sports and entertainment arena in London

Reuben Pinder

The arena would have a capacity of 21,000 people

The company that built the iconic Madison Square Garden arena in New York City have laid out plans to build a new sports and entertainment arena in the east of London, just a stone’s throw from West Ham United’s stadium

The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) has bought a 4.7 acre site in east London that has remained unused since the 2012 Olympic Games and plan to transform the place, creating thousands of jobs in the process.

The venue would be called the MSG Sphere, due to the globe that would sit atop the roof, and it would have a capacity of 21,000 people, more than its New York equivalent.

It would also feature the biggest LED screen in the world and have the capability of hosting shows, concerts and sporting events.

Jayne McGivern, MSG’s executive vice president of development and construction, said: “This is an opportunity to take an inaccessible coach park and use it to support thousands of jobs, and billions of pounds of economic benefit.

“Our plans make training and local hiring a priority and would create a premier destination that serves as a long term investment in the future of Newham, London, and the UK.

“If our plans are approved, we believe MSG Sphere will complement London’s existing venues and drive overall growth in the music and entertainment market – benefiting residents, artists and fans.”

It is expected to open in 2022.