UK Government pledges £6m for Glasgow arena expansion

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 20:03 · Archive

The UK Government has committed £6 million towards a new 10,000-capacity outdoor arena beside Glasgow's Hydro and Armadillo venues.

The UK Government has committed £6 million towards transforming the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, confirmed as part of the Autumn Budget. The funding will support the first phase of the Destination SEC masterplan, which aims to create a new outdoor arena with a 10,000-person capacity beside the existing Hydro and Armadillo venues.

The new arena will be built on a site described as similar in size to George Square, currently used as a car park. It will host open-air concerts, festivals and public events. The Scotland Office said the new venue would allow the campus to pursue events which are currently out of reach.

The £6 million represents the first major government commitment towards a longer-term vision to transform the 64-acre riverside campus. The full Destination SEC masterplan includes plans for new indoor and outdoor venues, riverside restaurants and bars, accommodation, offices and facilities for Scotland's creative industries, alongside a potential viewing platform over the River Clyde. The wider scheme aims to turn the area into a year-round destination rather than primarily a venue for concerts and conferences.

How it is being reported

• Glasgow SEC secures £6m for major transformation of Hydro and Armadillo siteGlasgow SEC secures £6m UK Government funding to transform the OVO Hydro campus, with a new East Plaza forming the first phase of Destination SEC plans.Glasgow Times · 28 Oct, 14:00
• Budget 2026: UK Government backs new outdoor arena beside Hydro and ArmadilloThe UK Government has pledged £6 million to unlock the first phase of an overhaul and expansion of the home of the Hydro and Armadillo venues in Glasgow.The Herald · 28 Oct, 13:24

In this story: UK Government · Scottish Event Campus · OVO Hydro · Armadillo · Glasgow · Clyde

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