Leeds City Council (LCC) has launched a public consultation into the next stage of planning for the city's new arena after initial designs for the proposed multi-million pound venue were revealed.

The consultation process will provide local residents with the first opportunity to view the proposed interior layout and location of the arena development, which is set to boast the UK's first 'super theatre' layout. Designs for the interior of the new Leeds Arena, which will be operated by SMG Europe, feature a two-tier seating bowl layout that will see the furthest seats located just 68m (223ft) from the stage.

It is anticipated that the consultation, which is due to run until early October at venues across the city, will enable people to put their questions directly to council officials, as well as the chance to submit ideas for the exterior design of the arena. LCC leader Andrew Carter said: "Plans for the new arena are really taking shape, and we are keen to involve the people of Leeds in the next stage of the planning process.

"We would like as many residents as possible to come along to the public exhibition stands where they can see for themselves what the arena will have to offer and give us their views on how they think it should look." An outline planning application for the venue is expected to be submitted in the autumn, while details of the external design and landscaping will follow in spring 2010.