The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) has announced that a new 12,000-seat entertainment arena being developed in Glasgow is scheduled to open in spring 2013.

Energy supplier Scottish Hydro has been unveiled as the naming rights partner for the new Foster and Partners-designed venue, which is expected to host around 140 events a year. Attracting up to 1 million visitors each year, The Hydro - as it is colloquially now known - is set to be one of the world's busiest arenas and generate £131m for the local economy.

SECC has secured the sponsorship deal with Scottish Hydro with the help of the operator and owner of some of the world's leading venues, AEG Worldwide. AEG Global Partnerships senior vice president Europe Paul Samuels said: "Working in partnership with the SECC, we were able to create a unique proposition with Scottish Hydro."

SECC chief executive John Sharkey added: "We look forward to working closely with Scottish Hydro to deliver an unrivalled programme of world class events over the coming years, providing Scottish audiences with access to iconic, global artists and acts." Image: Foster and Partners