The City Council has taken the next step in the zoning plan process for the Munich Arena (Germany).
‘MUNICH ARENA’ stated that following the assessment of submissions from the first public display (public authorities and agencies), the committee approved the updated planning documents and initiated the next phase of the process: A second public display alongside renewed consultation with statutory consultees. This enables members of the public and the relevant authorities to review the updated documents again in a transparent, formal process and submit comments.
The Munich Arena is a new, modern concert-led venue for approximately 20,000 guests. Its concept is uncompromisingly focused on live music and fan experience – from acoustics and sightlines to logistics, service and a sustainable approach to design and construction. The Munich Arena will strengthen Munich’s cultural and economic profile and set new benchmarks for future-ready live entertainment infrastructure in Europe. According to a Deloitte economic impact study, the project is expected to generate an estimated €390 million in gross value added during the planning and construction phase. Once operational, an annual effect of around €350 million is projected, in each case including indirect and induced effects.
Submissions received during the first consultation phase were reviewed by the City. Where appropriate and required, the feedback has been incorporated into the updated plans. From the project’s perspective, constructive participation by the residents and institutions – bringing local insight, perspectives and suggestions – helps further refine the plans and ensure the project is aligned with its context.
‘MUNICH ARENA’ further stated that the collaborative process generated valuable input that has been incorporated into the plans – particularly in the arena’s forecourt and surrounding landscape. In addition, with live events in mind, core interior priorities such as sightlines and acoustic design have been further refined.
Planning updates at a glance – focus on arena and public realm
- Arena Plaza as an arrival and gathering space: The forecourt (Arena Plaza) is being enhanced with seating steps and clearly defined areas to meet and linger before and after shows;
- More compact building footprint, same capacity: The arena footprint has been reduced by around 20 percent while maintaining a capacity of ca. 20,000 fans;
- Concert experience sharpened: Sightlines and the arena’s acoustic concept have been further optimized – central to a strong live experience and a clear focus on music and live entertainment;
- Landscape and public realm advanced: Green areas, seating and routes have been developed in greater detail to create an inviting and usable outdoor environment around the venue; and
- Urban design refinement: The building massing and placement have been further refined to support high-quality integration into the surrounding area.
Said Lorenz Schmid, Managing Partner, Munich Arena, “This resolution marks another important milestone for the Munich Arena. The close collaboration with the City, its administration and the City Council is a real added value – it helps drive the plans forward with precision and a consistently high standard. Our goal is a first-class concert arena for Munich and Bavaria with clear priority on sightlines, acoustics and fan experience. At the same time we see the venue as part of its wider setting with a plaza and surrounding public realm designed to create genuine quality of place.”
Added Tobias Eschenbacher, Lord Mayor of the City of Freising, “With the above decision we are consistently advancing the statutory planning process. Feedback from the first consultation has been assessed and incorporated into the updated documents. The next public display and consultation phase again enables participation. At the same time, the project highlights the potential within our city – as a place for major concerts and culture and as a positive impetus for the region, especially in economically challenging times.”
Remarked Tom Lynch, Live Nation, President, Venues EMEA, “The Munich Arena is a project with international ambition – purpose-built for live entertainment. Reaching this milestone demonstrates the care and close collaboration driving the planning forward. We’re creating an arena that offers first-class experiences for the artists and fans – to further strengthen Munich and Bavaria as a leading concert destination.”
Observed Barbara Schelle, City Building Director (Stadtbaumeisterin), City of Freising, “The project quality is also shaped by the process. That is why we carefully reviewed and weighed the submissions from the first consultation. The statutory planning process is clearly regulated and ensures a transparent and fair approach for all parties. On this basis, the documents have been further refined. Our aim is high urban design and architectural quality – both in how the arena is integrated and in the design of the surrounding public realm.”
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