HOK, ERRE unveil design for $282m multipurpose arena in Spain

American design, architecture, engineering and urban planning firm HOK and Spanish architecture practice ERRE Arquitectura have unveiled the design for a $282m multipurpose arena in Valencia, Spain. The venue, which is expected to be a premier destination for music, arts, culture and sporting events, is scheduled to open in 2023.

Spanish businessman Juan Roig has established LICAMPA 1617, an enterprise that is leading the development of the Valencia Arena. HOK and ERRE have been appointed to design the venue. Valencia Arena is being designed to be the headquarters for the men and women’s Valencia Basket Clubs. The arena will have a spectator capacity of 15,600 seats and 18,600 with standing room. It will offer visitors a wide range of premium hospitality products as well as an intimate, flexible seating bowl.

The design also includes a large, multipurpose room and a 1,300-capacity underground and multi-storey car park. The development of the arena will also revitalise the neighbourhood, as complementary facilities, including a nearly five-acre public park and new facilities for local school Les Arts, will also be constructed. HOK London studio sports + recreation + entertainment director John Rhodes said: “The exciting design for Valencia Arena is a tribute to the ambitions of LICAMPA 1617.

“HOK is delighted to partner with ERRE in realizing this aspiration. The venue is a breathtaking blend of multifunctionality, comfort, security, atmosphere and sustainability. This will be a world-class sports and entertainment destination that is a valuable asset for the local economy as well as a nationwide attraction.” Valencia Arena project is expected to create more than 300 jobs and generate nearly $13m per year for the local economy. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2020 and be completed in 2023.

ERRE co-founder Amparo Roig said: “We are delighted to accomplish this project together with HOK, a very professional team of architects, and be part of making our city more remarkable.”