LONDON IS TO GET a purpose-built 5,000-seat convention centre as part of a major expansion of the ExCeL London exhibition complex in Docklands. Work started last month on the £150 million extension, scheduled for completion in 2010, which will see a 50 per cent increase in display and meeting space.
A study by Grant Thornton has shown that the economic impact of ExCeL and its new expansion will bring £1.6 billion to London by 2011.
Since opening in November 2000, the complex has attracted more than 2,000 events, including major trade exhibitions, conferences, sales meetings, AGMs, award ceremonies, sporting events and religious festivals. A total of more than five million people have attended the various events.
It is located on a 100-acre site alongside Royal Victoria Dock, between Canary Wharf and London City airport.
London mayor, Boris Johnson, is pictured (left) with Kevin Murphy, ExCeL's chief executive, at the laying of a commemorative foundation stone at the start of the work.