Described as a cross between the Royal Albert Hall and the Coliseum, Scotland’s latest entertainment venue opened its doors, in Glasgow, on 23rd September.

Rod Stewart was the opening act for The Hydro, the 12,000-seater music, sport and entertainment arena which is expected to be the fifth busiest entertainment arena in the world, alongside venues such as London’s O2 Arena.

Situated next to the Clyde Auditorium and SECC, the £125m arena will augment existing facilities and is expected to create 1,400 jobs, attract one million visitors and inject £131m a year into the local economy, with a programme of 140 events.

Designed by Foster and Partners, the architecture is befitting of such aspriations. An elliptical shaped roof was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman amphitheatres, and offers the optimum balance of viewing angles and distance from the stage. The façade is made up of pneumatic, translucent cushions and a special film originally developed for the space industry, which allows natural light to illuminate the foyers during the day and glow at night.

The UK’s first specially designed music venue, The Hydro, will be central to the Queen’s Dock redevelopment and its series of public spaces will breathe new life into the riverfront.