Business
ExCeL London secures approval from Newham Planning Committee for expansion
- Supporting up to 115 new jobs, with an aspiration that 50% will be for local residents
- A substantial investment in the public realm including a new pocket park
- A truly sustainable development, surpassing the recognised industry standard
ExCeL London is delighted to have secured Newham Planning Committee approval to expand the venue, representing significant inward investment in the Royal Docks venue.
ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees said: “This decision is a key moment not just for ExCeL but for our customers, community and the millions of people who visit each year. We are very proud to have contributed towards the regeneration of the Royal Docks over the past 20 years. As we look to the future, we want to ensure that ExCeL can continue to attract world leading events that drive positive economic and social benefit throughout our local community and across London.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) said: “ADNEC continues to affirm its commitment towards developing its assets in London. This consolidates ExCeL’s position as one of the largest exhibition and conference hubs in Europe, and its pivotal role through the direct and indirect economic impact. The new expansion phase for ExCeL London contributes to our investments in the business tourism sector for the United Kingdom. It is an extension of the expansion phase launched in 2010 which supports our goals of meeting the needs of our partners and providing flexible spaces for hosting mega events.”
Following the initial expansion of ExCeL in 2010, including the opening of London’s International Convention Centre (ICC), it has been a long-term ambition to extend the venue further, with additional world class facilities.
This decision is a key moment not just for ExCeL but for our customers, community and the millions of people who visit each year. We are very proud to have contributed towards the regeneration of the Royal Docks over the past 20 years.
ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees
Image credit: Grimshaw
This new investment will deliver an additional 25,000sqm of premium exhibition and convention space, including state-of-the-art meeting rooms, breakout space, and enhanced catering facilities, over three levels. The extension will increase floorspace by 25%, enabling ExCeL’s customers to grow their events in a world class environment.
ExCeL has sought to create the most sustainable scheme possible and will be targeting a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of ‘Excellent’ – surpassing the recognised industry standard.
A substantial investment will also be made in the public realm including: new greenery along the dock edge, improved landscaping for pedestrians and cyclists, and a new pocket park. In addition, a new publicly accessible floating walkway will run parallel to the Phase 3 development with facilities to expand the walkway to support local water events and activities.
When operational, Phase 3 will support up to 115 new jobs, with an aspiration that 50% will be prioritised for local residents, underpinning ExCeL’s commitment to support the local community. A further 130 new, full-time jobs will also be created during the construction, including apprenticeships and opportunities for young people.
Construction works are expected to start next year.
