Working within an ambitious 14-month construction programme, the works involved the removal of the entire auditorium structure with the exception of the east and north walls. The stage was relocated from the south to the west side and there was a complete reconfiguration of the seating to cater for a capacity audience of 14,500. The works also involved alterations to the Premium Club section (now the 1878 Club) as well as the final fit-out of the offices, bars, and retail space within the structure. Throughout the development several areas were handed over on a phased basis with many of the offices in live operation when the majority of the fit outs were being completed.

The interior hall is a unique elliptical amphitheatre auditorium while still retaining the building’s essential features. In addition to creating a new arena type, Walls installed the largest air activated relocatable seating system in the world. This integrated SPS seating tier was a world first. As well as the innovative flexible capacity, the acoustics are of concert hall quality, something that’s unique in an arena of this size. The venue is also innovative in terms of brand activation, with unique spaces bringing the 3 Arena to life for visitors and fans. The arena also boasts the flexibility to accommodate a great variety of stage and sports events and the venue hosts over 150 event nights per year with major touring acts declaring it as one of the best venues for audience interaction in the world.