The Hydro: City music fans get chance to help design Glasgow's newest venue

Oct 18 2012 By Emma Smith

GLASWEGIANS were out in force at the weekend to view plans for the city’s newest music and sports venue.

A roadshow at the St Enoch Centre gave the people of the city a chance to have their say on what they want to see at the new Hydro, which is being built next to the SECC.

And their bright ideas could give them a chance to win a golden ticket giving access to all gigs for a year.

To get music lovers in the mood for the opening next year, radio and TV presenter Romeo was at the St Enoch Centre to ask Glaswegians what they want to see in their venue. At the roadshow, organised by
venue sponsors Scottish Hydro, he also gave away tickets for upcoming SECC gigs by artists including One Direction and Do it Like a Dude star Jessie J.

Romeo said: “We are aiming to get as many people as possible to tell us what they want to see at The Hydro.

“Some of the most popular suggestions so far have been good food and nice bars. They can put all their ideas into the interactive pods and then they will be considered.

“Some great suggestions included a karaoke room, hall of fame and a hair and nail salon.

“I thought this was a good idea as if you have been working or in the city shopping you might not have time to go home and get glammed up. This idea could be really popular.

“The Hydro will take their pic of the best ideas so everyone should make sure they tell us what they want.

“It doesn’t matter how daft or wacky they are – they will all be considered. They are being given the chance to shape their own entertainment venue.”

Have your say at TheHydro.com

Lisa Keyse, 28, a secretary from Edinburgh, was in the city shopping for a dress for her wedding next year– and managed to win herself tickets to Jessie J in a dancing competition.

She said: “I absolutely love Jessie J – this has been a brilliant day. I’m not sure if I’ll take my brother or my fiance with me as they are both fans.”

Student Gareth Davies, 24, from Maryhill, was so disappointed that he missed out on the Jessie J tickets that Romeo gave him tickets to see tenor Alfie Boe.

Gareth said: “I have to be honest – I’m not sure who he is. I think he might be a classical singer. Either way, it was a great surprise.”

There were plenty of One Direction fans competing for the tickets for their gig.

Leanne Thomson, 36, from Rutherglen, said: “I would love to get my hands on those tickets. I have only seen them on the X Factor but to see them live would be incredible.

Jill Turner,14 , from Greenock, who travelled to the city with her friend Holly Logan, said: “We are massive One Direction fans.

“My favourite is Niall - I even have a phone cover with his face on it. We would love to win the tickets. We try to go to a concert at least once a month so to get that golden ticket would be a dream come true. I also love The Script, Olly Murs and Take That.”

The One Direction fans took to the stage to dance to Do it Like a Dude and, after much cheering and screaming, Romeo announced Lauren Murphy, eight, from Paisley, as the
winner.

Lauren said: “I feel really excited.I really love dancing to their music all the time. Now I can do it for real.”

Proud mum Aileen Murphy, 41, added: “She is crazy about them. We were actually talking about getting her the tickets last month but then it sold out. It’s all worked out nicely.”

The last set of tickets up for grabs, VIP ones for Jessie J, were won by Abigail Smith, 11, from Clarkston.

She said: “I can’t wait to see her.

“I am now hoping I win that golden ticket as The Hydro looks like it’s going to be an amazing venue.”