A design team has been appointed to work on the multi-million pound Leeds Arena project.

Leeds City Council named its strategic design partner as Jacobs - an award-winning building and technical services consultancy that is currently working on projects such as the refurbishment of The City Varieties music hall and the new headquarters of the Northern Ballet Theatre.

In turn, Jacobs has appointed Populous (formerly HOK Sport Architecture) to provide the design team.

Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Jacobs' worldwide experience in delivering complex projects, combined with Populous's expertise in the delivery of arena facilities, provides the council with an excellent team, capable of providing Leeds with a world class arena venue.

"In these difficult economic times, having a large scale attraction as exciting as this one will be a huge boost to the city. Our commitment to the arena demonstrates our belief in the future economic success of and growth of Leeds."

The council identified a 5.1-acre site, part-owned by Leeds Metropolitan University, on Claypit Lane as the location of the arena, and paid £6m last November for a 2.91-acre plot.