BLOCK by block, Glasgow's newest entertainment venue is taking shape on the banks of the Clyde.

And Evening Times photographer Jamie Simpson was given exclusive access to The Hydro Arena building site, next to the SECC, to get a sneak peak of what's in store.

Coca-Cola has already tied up a partnership deal with the Arena, and so too has energy company Scottish Hydro, which has secured the naming rights.

Costing £125million to build, it's predicted The Hydro will host around 140 events each year, with the potential to generate an extra £131m in revenue for Glasgow.

Scotland's newest and biggest entertainment hub will seat 12,000 people.

When it opens for business on September 2, next year, the Arena's roof, at its tallest point, will be twice as high as that of Glasgow's Queen Street Station.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk