The investment comes amid uncertainty over plans for a huge events arena and conference centre in Gateshead
Newcastle’s biggest music venue is set to be extended and upgraded as part of plans to invest £65m into creating “an arena fit for the future”. The Utilita Arena in Newcastle has played host to thousands of world famous bands, solo performers and shows since first opening its doors in November 1995, with David Bowie setting the tone for the stage as its first ever performer a month later.
Now 30 years later, operators Legends Global has announced its intention to plough up to £65m into the huge arena, as part of a commitment to backing the city’s live entertainment scene. New images show how the arena will look following the significant spend.
The company said the investment will completely ‘reimagine’ the venue, creating a vibrant new entrance area, a VIP entrance and a stunning new bar. A spokesman said the plans form part of a long-term strategy to support the music, events and cultural experiences “which make Newcastle one of the world’s great live cities”.
The investment announcement comes as uncertainty remains over the future of plans for a huge arena and conference centre on the Gateshead Quayside. Construction was supposed to start on the “world class” complex more than two years ago, but the scheme has been hit with severe delays and spiralling costs.
It had been planned that the Gateshead arena would effectively replace the Newcastle venue, possibly paving the way for housing on the site of the current arena. Legends Global said it was “still in discussions with the council regarding the Gateshead project.”
The firm added: “Celebrating a milestone 30 years since the arena first opened its doors, Legends Global now reaffirms its commitment to fans, artists and the Newcastle community alike.”
The investment marks the latest for Legends Global in a list of venue renovations across the UK that is expected to see over £200m reinvested back into regional venues. Other venues to benefit include OVO Arena Wembley, Sheffield Utilita Arena and AO Arena in Manchester.
The planned investment is set to transform the arena, boosting its facilities, protecting its future and ensuring it remains at the centre of the city’s live entertainment offering. Legends Global say the improvements will give crowds the motivation to turn up early for events, and stay later after the encores are over.
Improvements will include a 20% increase in the venue capacity, and major upgrades to every space in the arena, from artist dressing rooms to concourse bars. A new mezzanine floor is set to be created, with world-leading premium lounges. New technology is also being introduced to boost acoustics and improve the speed of service.
Legends Global – which acquired former arena owners AMG in 2024 – plans to start structural improvement works next year, with further improvements planned to follow in 2027. All shows will continue as usual while works are carried out, with the owners adding that the investment is designed to enhance the venue’s premier position for live entertainment experiences, creating an arena fit for the future through state-of-the-art expansion, innovative guest features and increased capacity.
A spokesman added: “It’s been a hugely successful 2025, where Utilita Arena has seen one of its best years ever with over 100 booked dates including stand out shows from Kylie, The MOBO Awards, Stereophonics, The Offspring and the Mercury Prize.
“It is hoped the redevelopment will build on this success with 2026 already shaping up to be another landmark year for the venue, with WWE Live, Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Florence + The Machine, Peter Kay, Premier League Darts, Yungblud, The Prodigy and more already announced to perform.”
A spokesperson for Gateshead Council said: “It has been identified that the development of the Quays site is a regional priority, and this is reflected in the North East Combined Authority’s Growth Plan. “Our shared ambition is to create world-class cultural assets at Gateshead Quays, strengthening the region’s reputation as a leading destination for culture and tourism. “We are working closely together with our partners and specialist advisers on a comprehensive assessment of market demand for the proposed footprint and scale of the project. This assessment is expected to conclude early in the new year.”
