IF the outlandish bright gold cladding surrounding the Hive in Worcester is not to your taste, look away now.

Worcester Arena, the city’s spectacular new £15 million sports venue, appears to be going down exactly the same route.

Workers have started putting the cladding along one side of the 2,000-seater building, which is bright gold in colour, exactly the same as the university’s other big development – the Hive across the river.

The move has caught some of the city’s leading politicians by surprise, admitting they had no idea it would look so similar.

Councillor Robert Rowden, who was chairman of the city’s planning committee when it was voted through, said he “honestly could not remember” talking about the cladding.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “I wasn’t involved in the design of the building so I didn’t know it would be like that.

“I did see some early artists’ drawings and it was a lot of glass and wood, rather than cladding.

“But the Hive is certainly spectacular and does catch the eye, so from that perspective I think it is a positive thing.

“The Worcester Arena is yet another big regeneration project in the heart of the city and it will be a fantastic asset.”

Councillor Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcester City Council , said: “To many people, change is concerning, but in reality, in any city if you don’t change, you are going backwards.

“From the council’s point of view it’s really great to see the development coming along and the university making these kind of investments in the city.”

University chiefs said the bold cladding would make the building stand out.

A spokesman said: “Although associated with the Hive due to its proximity, the cladding was chosen for its appearance and longevity.

"It is a very popular material, recommended by many of the UK’s top architects, which is very much of its time.”

The arena belongs to the University of Worcester , and is being built on the site of the old fruit and vegetable market in Hylton Road .

Construction started in February, with bosses saying the venue will be open early next year.

As well as holding 2,000 spectators it will be the new home of Worcester Wolves basketball team and host high-perfomance disability sport.

It will also be the first British purpose-buillt venue for wheelchair-bound athletes outside Stoke Mandeville.

Meanwhile

The Hive is attracting global attention.
The £60 million building – a joint project between Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester – may have divided opinions with its striking golden roof, but it has impressed architectural experts enough to be shortlisted for the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards.
The building, which was officially opened the Queen last month, will now compete with likes of of the new Wuxi Grand Theatre in China, and the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Australia, for the culture category of the awards.