The 13,500-capacity arena is due to open in 2012 and has been designed to make spectators feel closer to the action, because all seats face the performance area.  

"Our design team at Populous, led by project architect John Rhodes, has worked in close collaboration with the architect to respond to the outstanding vision of Leeds City Council," said Populous senior principal John Barrow.

Populous's portfolio includes Emirates Stadium, Wimbledon Centre Court’s roof and the O2 Arenas in London, Dublin and Berlin.

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