The RIBA and Bristol City Council have announced the launch of a competition to find an architect for ‘Bristol Arena’; a new 12,000 capacity, multi-use indoor entertainment space in the south west UK city.

The site, located on a former diesel depot next to Temple Meads railway station, is currently owned by The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and is set to become part of a wider development, called Arena Island – one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

Following a long wait, Bristol City Council is aiming for the £90m ($150m, €112m) project to adhere to the following timescales: applications for the competition close on the 18 September; a design team will be appointed as of February 2015; planning will be submitted 2015-2016, with work on site hopefully starting in 2016 and doors opening in mid-2017.

Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson said: “The Bristol Arena is key to the city region's future and will act as a major catalyst to the development of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone… RIBA Competitions has helped to deliver some of the most outstanding buildings around the UK and is well-placed to help us to secure the best possible design team.”

Following the 18 September deadline, five architecture and design practices will be shortlisted and then participate in the design phase of the competition.