London’s largest exhibition centre ExCeL has been given the green light for a major expansion to increase its floorspace by a quarter.
Newham council has approved plans from the Docklands venue — host of events ranging from the National Wedding Show to a Tyson Fury boxing match — that will see 25,000 square metres of extra indoor capacity added.
The new floorspace will propel Abu Dhabi-owned ExCeL up the league table of events and exhibitions facilities from about the 50th biggest in the world to about 40th.
London has long lagged behind rivals such as Germany which has three in the top 10, including Hannover Messegelande, the world’s biggest which has an indoor capacity of almost 500,000 square metres. Spain, Italy and France also all have venues in the top 20. Britain’s biggest is the NEC in Birmingham with 190,000 square metres, making it the world’s 23rd biggest.
ExCeL chief executive Jeremy Rees said: “The expansion of ExCeL will ensure that London and the UK remains internationally competitive and a destination of choice for world-leading events for years to come. Moreover, this investment will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our customers by providing opportunities for growth, complimented by a world class guest experience.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, said: “This consolidates ExCeL’s position as one of the largest exhibition and conference hubs in Europe.”
ExCeL was opened in 2000 and last expanded in 2010. The expansion will involve 12,000 square metres of exhibition space on the ground floor with convention space, meeting rooms and catering facilities on the upper floor. Construction is expected to start next year.
