GLASGOW'S latest Clydeside development is beginning to take shape and will soon change the city's skyline.

Work on the £125million Scottish Hydro Arena began in February last year, but a host of gigantic cranes on the site beside the SECC are now turning what was once a dream into a purpose-built entertainment venue that will be the best in Scotland.

There will be seating for 12,000 spectators, putting it on a par with New York's famous Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena in London.

John Sharkey, chief executive at the SECC, is excited at the latest addition to Glasgow's skyline.

He said: "The site is taking on a spectacular new dimension.

"When it opens in spring 2013 it will be iconic and one of the world's most impressive entertainment venues.

"The Hydro will land on our concerts and events markets with the same kind of impact as the Clyde Auditorium did on our conference business when it opened in 1997."

The venue will host top music events and stars such as Sir Elton John will likely be among the leading names to take to the stage.

The Hydro is also expected to stage major comedy stars and sports events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship – the world's biggest cagefighting promotion.

Promotors of that championship are believed to have looked at the possibility of using the Braehead Arena, but it has capacity seating of 5000, which bosses believe is not big enough to satisfy demand from fans.

The Hydro will host about 140 events every year and it will rock like no other venue in the country.

AEG Facilities, one of the top entertainment and sports companies in the world, which brings performers to London's 02, has been appointed "sponsorship partners".

When the Hydro opens AEG bosses will also bring the same acts it books for London to Glasgow.

The Hydro is also expected to attract one million visitors each year and backers are predicting the venue will generate more than £130million a year for the city.

Mr Sharkey added: "The new multi-storey car park is also transforming the landscape of the front of the site.

"It will mean an additional 1600 spaces for those attending the area."

So with the SECC and the Clyde Auditorium also holding a succession of top music acts, shows and pantos, it seems the song of the Clyde is still hitting all the right notes.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk