EUROPE – Full plans have been revealed for a new multi-million pound conference centre.
The scheme for the new £333 million Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) will be examined by councillors at the end of this year.
Henry Boot Developments has submitted proposals for the conference and exhibition space, plus a four-star hotel with restaurant and spa facilities, and a 1,200-space underground car park .
There were fears that the project could be abandoned if the project failed to receive government funding but proposals to reduce the public cost of the facility was agreed in March, followed by a £10m grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Aberdeen City Council finance convener Willie Young said he hopes the underground event space will be used for major international conventions.
He told reporters: “When we have oil events at the current AECC at the Bridge of Don it’s clear we struggle with space and parking. We need as much space as possible and this shows we are committed to providing this at the new AECC. These spaces will then be opened up for events. If you want to compete with Germany and France then we need something like this. If we have a world class facility Aberdeen’s reputation is for all to see. There are huge conventions we previously couldn’t compete with around the world. Glasgow isn’t our competition – it’s globally that we need to concentrate on.”
Henry Boot Scottish director, Nick Harris, said: “When it opens, the new AECC is expected to make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.
“It will allow Aberdeen to compete on an international scale and attract major artists to the city.”
The full planning application is expected be discussed at the city council’s planning development management committee on December 10.
If approved, building work on the new AECC is expected to start early next year.
