Abba Arena Team to Create Swindon Venue
Plans for an innovative 1,200-seat theater and concert venue have been announced for Swindon, signaling a major cultural development within the town’s “Cultural Quarter masterplan.”
The new venue is expected to feature a modern and flexible space with room to expand to 1,800 seats. The design aims to accommodate various events, including plays, concerts, and comedy performances.
The venue, designed by Stufish Entertainment Architects, draws inspiration from both Swindon’s industrial legacy and contemporary architectural innovation. Ray Winkler, chief executive and design director at Stufish, described this philosophy as surpassing traditional structures, which he referred to as the “box” or “shed” aesthetic.
“Drawing on extensive experience in show and venue design, we have refined a modular construction approach that embodies the elegance and depth of traditional architecture,” Winkler explained. “Our work surpasses the conventional ‘box’ or ‘shed’ aesthetic, creating thoughtfully crafted, purpose-built spaces that captivate and engage.”
Blue Horizon Ventures, a development firm collaborating with Swindon Borough Council, also expressed enthusiasm for the project. Julian Russell, director of Blue Horizon Ventures, highlighted the venue’s potential as a dynamic space for the Swindon community.
“This venue will be more than just a performance space,” Russell said. “It is designed as a dynamic hub for community connection, local engagement, and cultural growth. We look forward to seeing it enrich lives, support local talent, and strengthen Swindon’s position as a beacon of creativity and community in the region.”
