"New analysis from global tax firm Ryan shows that almost all major arenas have seen valuations surge, in several cases more than doubling, with Wembley Arena's assessment rocketing by 300%. The spike reflects a return to packed schedules and booming post-pandemic demand for live music and events. Alex Probyn, Practice Leader for Europe & Asia-Pacific Property Tax at Ryan, said the scale of the rises is the direct result of how arenas are valued."
"'Arenas are assessed under the Receipts and Expenditure method, meaning business rates are driven by income and operating performance rather than rental evidence,' he explained. 'The 2023 rating list reflected conditions in April 2021, when most venues were shut or heavily restricted. The 2026 list reflects April 2024 - a period of full reopening. That dramatic shift in trading conditions is why many arenas are seeing such significant increases.'"
Major UK live-entertainment arenas have seen dramatic increases in rateable values for 2026, with some valuations more than doubling and Wembley Arena's assessment rising 300%. The valuation method links business rates to income and operating performance, so the 2026 list reflects April 2024 trading when venues were fully reopened versus April 2021 during heavy restrictions. Transitional relief in England caps year-one rises at 30% and then 25% plus inflation in subsequent years, but annual compounding can produce much higher total liabilities over three years. Modelling shows large cash increases next year for venues including The O2, M&S Bank Arena, Co-op Live and Manchester Arena.
Read at Business Matters
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]