Plans have emerged for a new 25,000-seat arena near the Olympic Stadium, with the main ambition of attracting NBA basketball to the capital.
Dubbed the London Colosseum — not to be confused with the historic London Coliseum theatre and opera venue on St Martin’s Lane — the proposed development would become the UK’s largest indoor arena. Alongside basketball, it would also host boxing, mixed martial arts, esports and other indoor events, putting it in direct competition with the O2 across the Thames.
The NBA, America’s premier basketball league, has staged a number of games in London in recent years and is now exploring the launch of a European league, with London seen as a key location. A purpose-built arena could significantly strengthen the city’s bid to become part of that expansion.
City Hall-backed proposals for a major basketball venue have circulated for some time, partly centred on creating a permanent home for the London Lions. It is not yet clear whether this latest scheme is connected to those earlier ambitions.
The project has been proposed by a consortium comprising Jericho Estates, Peacock Gym, Torch Sports and architects Chybik + Kristof.
Central to the plans is a multifunctional tower incorporating a hotel, residential accommodation and community facilities. The aim is to combine hospitality, housing and public amenities in a way that keeps the site active beyond major events and integrates it into the day-to-day life of the surrounding area.
The development would also feature academy facilities designed to nurture the next generation of basketball talent.
At present, the London Colosseum remains a concept and has not entered the formal planning process. A spokesperson for the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) sought to distance the organisation from the reports, stating, “LLDC has been made aware of reports about plans for a ‘London Colosseum’ to be built at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. These reports are incorrect. As landowner of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, there is no agreement between LLDC and any developer, architect or project team to build this arena.”
