02 Arena set for major expansion

The O2 contains two venues, a cinema, an exhibition centre and restaurants

Developers have been granted outline planning permission to expand the O2 Arena in south-east London.

AEG will expand the site in Greenwich, by another 26,000 sq ft, adding nearly 40% to the existing space.

It currently houses a 20,000 seat arena, a cinema, exhibition space, the Indigo music venue, bars and restaurants and conference facilities.

The exact details of the expansion are expected to be approved by Greenwich Council at a later date.

Council leader Cllr Chris Roberts said: "The O2 success and these future expansion plans demonstrate how the long-term strategy for the area is coming to fruition."

Since it re-opened in June 2007, the O2 has attracted more than 10m visitors.