Plans for Edinburgh Park music arena with 8,500-capacity unveiled by London O2 Arena operators

A huge live entertainment venue with the capacity to hold 8,500 people could be built in Edinburgh after plans were submitted by the company behind London’s O2 Arena.

If approved by the council, it is hoped that work on the arena could begin in early 2025, with the first live events taking to the stage in 2027.

AEG Europe, the proposed arena’s operators, said the major investment on land by Edinburgh Park station “will bring world-class live music and entertainment to Edinburgh”.

Developers and Edinburgh Park site owners Parabola have agreed to sell the vacant site to AEG.

Alex Hill, president and CEO of AEG Europe said: “AEG is thrilled to announce this spectacular new arena for Edinburgh. It’s a location with immense potential, amplified by Parabola’s transformative development and regeneration of Edinburgh Park.

“The much needed 8,500-capacity arena will bring world-class live music and entertainment to Edinburgh, further cementing its reputation as a destination for culture and global tourism,.

“We look forward to this development becoming an integral part of the local community and complementing one of the best cities in the world for the arts and live entertainment.”

Parabola founder Peter Millican added: “Parabola is delighted to be working with AEG in the delivery of such an iconic venue for the city. This investment will complement all that is on offer at Edinburgh Park and ensure that the arts and culture has an outstanding live performance facility. The new Edinburgh Arena will put west Edinburgh on the map as a new cultural destination.”

As part of the planning process, public consultation exhibitions will be held at Edinburgh Park.

Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh’s events and festivals are world-renowned. Whether your attending an event at the iconic Usher Hall or EICC, dancing away with mega-stars like Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen at Murrayfield Stadium, enjoying the summer and winter festivals, or joining our community-led festivals and cultural events, Scotland’s capital has so much to offer.

“However, what is clearly missing is a mid-sized venue. The site at Edinburgh Park is an excellent location for this size of venue, with close proximity to Edinburgh Airport and excellent public transport links.

“We’re delighted to see the relationship between AEG and Parabola has resulted in this flagship proposal and we’ll consider their plans over the next few months. We welcome feedback and comments from anyone with an interest in the proposed arena and its future.”