The SSE SWALEC has been granted permission to host up three music concerts a year, following an application out forward by Glamorgan CCC to Cardiff Council in partnership with Asbri Planning Ltd.
The first headline act to be announced was confirmed before Christmas with Simply Red, fronted by Mick Hucknall booked to perform at The SSE SWALEC on Sunday 17th July.
Associate director of Asbri Planning Ltd, Jon Wilks said, We've now secured the planning permission, allowing three concerts per year to be held at The SSE SWALEC, with Simply Red the first in July.
I am very pleased that we have been able to secure planning permission to host concerts at The SSE SWALEC, continuing our positive and long-standing relationship. I have no doubt that The SSE SWALEC will make for an excellent outdoor concert venue.
It is hoped the ground could become a 17,500-seater venue with some gigs taking place immediately after T20 matches and some standalone events. The Simply Red concert will provide a fantastic spectacle and day out, with gates opening early afternoon, and an undercard featuring local breakthrough acts as well as recognised artists and the headliners performing until close at 10.30pm.
Glamorgan Cricket's chief executive Hugh Morris said The SSE SWALEC is our greatest asset and we have been working to find ways to diversify the way in which we use it beyond the realms of cricket.
Our international attendances have been very strong and our non-matchday business continues to grow but we feel that there is a real opportunity to attract musical acts that will further enhance the quality and choice available in Cardiff.
We're delighted to have secured such a prestigious act as double Brit Award winners Simply Red to play at the SSE Swalec in July of this year.
He added: First and foremost we're a cricket ground and that will remain our primary focus.
Our intention is to continue to attract the type of acts that will hold strong appeal to Cardiff's music fans and fit with our position as a family-friendly venue.
Mr Wilks added: The SSE SWALEC wanted to be considerate of residents in nearby Pontcanna, so we weren't aiming for an open-ended application.
The move will be monitored from now on and if the demand grows and if it proves to be successful, the application could be reviewed.
Tickets for Simply Red at The SSE SWALEC are now on general sale, click
here for more details