Melbourne is set to get a new 5,000-capacity live music venue, with Live Nation announcing plans to build and operate a purpose-built performance space at Arden Central in North Melbourne.
Expected to host more than 100 events annually, the venue will bring international touring acts to the precinct while creating more opportunities for Australian artists and local talent.
Located two minutes from Arden Station and 1.5 kilometres from the CBD, the venue will form part of the $7 billion Arden Central development by Hamton and Hostplus.
Live Nation President for Australia and New Zealand Alex Klos said the investment would strengthen Melbourne’s position as an international live music destination.
“This purpose-built venue will add a significant new stage to Melbourne’s live music ecosystem, while helping establish Arden Central as a vibrant new destination for live entertainment.”
The venue is being designed by Live Nation’s in-house Blueprint Studio in collaboration with Populous, with premium experiences, artist facilities and production access incorporated into the plans.
Melbourne musicians have also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of venues that support touring acts and emerging performers.
The Temper Trap’s Toby Dundas said the new space would create opportunities for memorable live music experiences.
“What excites me about a new venue, especially one in my neighbourhood, is all the moments that will happen inside. A fan seeing their first big show, an artist stepping onto that stage for the first time, or a song uniting a room of strangers together as one.”
JET’s Mark Wilson said the 5,000-capacity format would allow audiences to experience major shows while maintaining a connection between performers and fans.
The project will also establish a Live Nation Community Events Fund to support local artists and community use of the venue.
The wider Arden Central precinct will eventually include more than 5,400 homes, retail and hospitality spaces, community facilities and 5.5 hectares of open space.
