The 12-month countdown to the opening of ExCeL London’s new 25,000sqm expansion has this week been set in motion.
The £220m development, supported by ADNEC Group and built by McLaren Construction, will expand the venue’s existing conference and exhibition facilities by a further 25% – totalling 125,000sqm when it opens in October 2024. The project will also make ExCeL the largest fully-integrated conference and exhibition centre in Europe.
Humaid Al Dhaheri, chairman, ExCeL London, said: “ExCeL London’s extension represents a new chapter in our Group’s growth as we look to strengthen further the company’s leading position within the international events and business tourism industry. The ongoing completion of the new project reflects our quest to deliver best-in-class conference and exhibition venues in line with our sustainable growth plans.”
In line with ExCeL London’s sustainability strategy and carbon neutrality, the expansion is being built with the goal of achieving an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating upon completion. It has already saved more than 11,000kg of CO2e by using Cemfree, an ultra-low carbon masonry mortar.
As part of the project, a substantial investment is also being made in the public realm including new greenery along the dock edge, improved landscaping for pedestrians and cyclists, and a new pocket park.
Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExCeL London, added: “This year is set to be a record-breaker for ExCeL and our biggest and busiest ever year. It is this growth and market confidence in the events industry that has led to us to expanding the venue further with a £300m investment programme. From concept to completion, the expansion has had the full support and vision of ADNEC Group, of which ExCeL is proudly a part, and we are very much looking forward to opening the doors in 12 months’ time.”
The expansion will open in October 2024 with the next major construction milestone being the completion of the steel structure in November.
