Original Builders Model of Newcastle's Arena goes up for Auction in Newcastle
A Builder's model of The Utilita Arena in Newcastle, made by Kelley Morgan Models of North Shields, is to go up for auction at Anderson & Garland Auctioneers in Newcastle later this month.
Originally named The Telewest Arena and subsequently The Metro Radio Arena, the now Utilita Arena was the first venue of its kind in Newcastle.
The arena opened up the music scene in the region to the largest acts, allowing touring artists who had previously bypassed the area to perform in the city. Before the opening in 1995 the local venue with the largest capacity was Newcastle City Hall. The Arena was more than six times the size.
The new venue clearly filled a major gap in the market, with no other comparable venues between Sheffield to the south and Glasgow to the north. Over the years the Arena has hosted many of the greatest acts in the world, from Bob Dylan to Steps to Disney on Ice.
Two well-known local musicians conceived the vision of the Arena, and championed the project to completion, Chas Chandler of legendary Newcastle band The Animals, and his business partner and bandmate Nigel Stanger. The Model is up for auction on behalf of Nigel Stanger estate.
Julian Thomson, Managing Director, Anderson & Garland said “The model is not only a wonderful item in itself but also a fantastic piece of North East history. The Arena is a venue with great sentimental value for so many people, the place where many saw their first live concerts. With the upcoming launch of the new Sage Area on the Gateshead Quayside, it’s a great opportunity for someone to preserve a piece of history”
The Model will be sold as part of a two-day Collectors’ Auction which takes place on 30th June, and carries and auction estimate of £3000 - £5000.