Liverpool’s landmark Arena and Convention Centre is to benefit from the addition of a new 8,100m² exhibition and events complex open for business in September 2014. Costing £40m, the new venue will consist of 8,100m2 of space which will be sub-dividable into three interlinked pillar-free exhibition halls, each 2,700m² in size. .
The development; with its progressive technology, production equipment and individually adjustable ceiling heights, will ensure that Liverpool continues to increase its momentum as one of Europe’s leading destinations for large-scale conferences, standing concerts, sporting events and exhibitions.
The extension to the existing ACC Liverpool (comprising Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre) will also see the development of an on-site upscale 200-bedroom hotel. The new facilities will be connected with a sky bridge directly in to ACC Liverpool making it the only interconnected arena, convention centre and exhibition facility in Europe.
The construction of the new hotel will increase the city’s bedstock to over 6,000 rooms and will encourage even larger events to head to Liverpool, as organisers, production companies and sports right holders realise the collective scope of the North West’s premier hub for live events.
The approval of the exhibition and events complex was announced by the leader of Liverpool City Council, Joe Anderson, and follows a feasibility study into the development of the site adjacent to ACC Liverpool.
Leader of the City Council, Joe Anderson said, “This is great news for the city and a huge statement of confidence in Liverpool. A new state-of-the-art exhibition hall will enhance the excellent waterfront facilities of the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre, making Liverpool a top UK venue for exhibitions, events and conferences.”
David McDonnell, chairman of ACC Liverpool, added, “The feasibility work we have undertaken demonstrates that this development will be self-funding and will begin to attract millions of pounds of new business to the city as soon as it opens.”
Bob Prattey, chief executive of ACC Liverpool, said, “We have already proved that Liverpool is an attractive and compelling destination for conference and exhibition organisers. The new venue will enable us to build market share and to attract even larger and more lucrative events, helping to fill the city’s hotels, restaurants and shops with high-spending visitors.”
The new venue is set to be built by a partnership of Liverpool City Council and ACC Liverpool and managed by the existing ACC Liverpool management team.
Recognised for its uncompromising green credentials and a location ideal for high security events, ACC Liverpool is also acknowledged for its people and the welcome they afford international delegates. In the three years since opening, the venue has secured high profile events from the MOBO Awards to TUC and Labour Party’s Annual Conference 2011 which will draw over 10,000 people to the city.
