ICC opened at ExCel London

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, has officially opened the capital’s first International Convention Centre at ExCeL London. By his side was ADNEC Chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

The new £165m facility includes London’s largest banqueting space, ICC Capital Hall, as well as the tiered 5,000-seat ICC Auditorium and a conference suite, ICC Capital Suite, comprising 17 individual meeting rooms for from 50 to 2,500 delegates. Boris said at the launch: ‘Business tourism is vital to the London economy and the opening today of the ICC is a brilliant addition to our business offering. Alongside the Olympic Park it will boost the overall regeneration of the East End and help to ensure the capital remains an open, diverse and competitive city.’
Kevin Murphy, CEO of ExCel London, commented; ‘Until now, London has not been able to compete for large international conventions. With our ICC and the cohesive support and working with the City and the convention bureau, Visit London, we now have a compelling offer and a world class facility to compete for the £100bn business we know is out there and wants to come to London. Since the announcement of London’s first ICC, we have confirmed business in excess of £300m of economic benefit to London, beating other leading cities such as Barcelona, Paris and Vienna. This is proof that we have built the right facility and that the pan-London working group and the support from the Mayor’s Office are meeting the market’s needs.’
Murphy further added: ‘None of this would have been possible without the shared vision and investment of our owners, ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company. They are committed to the long-term future of this business and to London as a leading business destination.
‘On 8th June we announced a further investment of £50m by ADNEC to build the UK’s first Starwood Aloft hotel. This will be a 4-star, 252-bedroom business hotel linked to the ICC London. Our vision doesn’t just stop there. We have created a key cornerstone in the Thames regeneration project and have a strong ambition with key London partners and our owners to continue the regeneration of the Royal Docks.’
The picture shows, left to right, Kevin Murphy, CEO ExCeL London, with Boris Johnson and HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan

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