The SSE Hydro first opened its doors in 2013 and has since become Scotland's home of live entertainment. Attracting more than five million visitors within its first five years of opening, the SSE Hydro is a highly versatile venue offering a capacity for 12,500 guests. With possibilities for different staging, seating and lighting experiences, no two events feel the same. 

Arup provided a range of services including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, public health and fire engineering; as well as specialist lighting services. Together with Foster + Partners Ltd we created a 12,500-seat arena inspired by Roman amphitheatres, with a combination of fixed, removable and retractable seating, with the aim of creating a versatile space which gave a clear view of the stage from any seat.

The Hydro is estimated to inject £336 million into the Scottish economy annually, and has been credited with boosting trade in the surrounding Finnieston area with almost 50 new bars and restaurants having opened since 2013. Glasgow’s previous largest indoor events venue was losing approximately 70 days of exhibition business each year as the space required reconfiguration between concert and exhibition formats, requiring an alternative, more efficient and versatile entertainments venue. The Hydro has already hosted the Commonwealth Games, some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars and more, and was awarded by both the Regional Groups award at Structural Awards 2015 and the Royal Academy of Engineering 2017 Major Project Award.

Structural engineering

For day-to-day use, the foyer of the building is largely lit naturally by the panels which surround the exterior of the building. There is also natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. The result is a venue which effectively serves its purpose whilst taking steps to support our planet. The roof has one of the largest lighting rigs in the world with greater capabilities than the existing SEC which has attracted great talent to perform at the venue. One of the most unique features of the building's exterior is its EFTE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) façade, made up of translucent LED cushion panels, originally developed for the space industry.

The arena joins the Clyde Auditorium or ‘Armadillo’ on the northern edge of the River Clyde

Waste management

Sustainability was a driver for both our team and the client during the construction process. During the build, any waste materials found on the existing site including concrete from the old dock, were re-graded and recycled to reduce waste disposal off-site. The roof of the new building was made from aluminium as it is widely recyclable to facilitate improved waste management for any future works.

Interior view of concert space at SSE Hydro in Scotland
The SSE Hydro
Partners & collaborators

Foster + Partners