ExCeL London expansion - we take a sneak peek
M&IT takes a tour of the ExCeL London expansion - set to make the venue the largest fully integrated conference and exhibition centre in Europe when it opens in October
Standing overlooking the London skyline from what is soon to be the largest fully integrated conference and exhibition centre in Europe, it’s clear what a huge deal the ExCeL London expansion project really is.
The £220m, 25,000 sqm expansion project will expand the venue’s existing world-class facilities by a further 25 per cent – totaling 125,000sqm.
Within the new development will be 12,000 sqm of exhibition space on the ground floor, seamlessly integrated into the existing venue. This will be complemented on the upper level with the Maritime Suite, featuring high-end convention space, modern meeting rooms and catering facilities.
It’s this convention space that is the real game changer; space-wise, ExCeL is gaining the equivalent of two QEII Centres, with two huge ballrooms and acres of breakout options. The expansion means that ExCeL will be able to compete with Barcelona and Amsterdam to host mega-tech events, pushing the venue’s (and the capital’s) already world class events offer to even dizzier heights.
ExCeL London timeline
- Venue first opened in November 2000 at a capacity of 65,000 sqm
- First ever event was Automotex held on 21st November 2000
- In 2008, ADNEC acquired ExCeL
- Work on Phase II – a £165m investment – began in August 2008 and was completed in 2010 adding an additional 35,000 sqm to total 100,000 sqm
- In 2016, ExCeL opened CentrEd; a £1.5m, state-of-the-art meeting and training venue
- Initial works (foundations) began on Phase III in March 2022 before construction works began properly in January 2023. The structure will complete in October 2024 increasing the total size to 125,000sqm and becoming the largest fully integrated conference & exhibition centre in Europe
- In 2024, works began on ExCeL’s new waterfront development to create a new immersive offering with the initial works due to complete in Q3 of 2024
It’s the biggest project ever undertaken by constructors McLaren Construction with almost 5,000 tons of steel having already been installed and, despite winter weather being wetter and windier than usual, everything is still set fair for opening in October 2024.
The expansion’s steel structure was completed in December, and while it’s still very much a building site, you can really see the complete vision starting to come together. The extra possibilities for event planners are all on show as you explore the halls and spaces – indeed, site visits for eventprofs are currently available, just contact the venue.
As you’d expect, 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. As with the current venue, the electricity supply will be 100 per cent from renewable sources, while the gas supply will be carbon offset.
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. The project will also create permanent and temporary employment, both in the construction process – including apprenticeships – but also indirectly once complete.
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