Leeds Arena Includes Tree-Lined Footpath and Piazza

One of the few major global cities without an arena, Leeds in 2010 sought to remedy this when it began work on a £60 million entertainment venue. What became known as First Direct Arena officially opened in 2013: a 13,500-seat arena that would play host to dozens of musical, comedic, and sports superstars over the next decade. This sustainably focused development also included an outdoor component: an adjacent piazza and streetscape renovation spearheaded by the landscape architecture team at Grontmij UK (now Sweco). In addition to accessibility and pedestrian enhancing features, designers wanted to incorporate greenery: 12 hardscape trees were planted in Silva Cells and given access to lightly compacted soil for mature growth, providing the community with both welcoming shade and air- and water-improvement benefits.